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🇮🇱 Israel /Health & Science

Two toddlers hospitalized in Israel after eating mushroom-laced chocolate

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Two toddlers were hospitalized in Israel after accidentally consuming chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms.
  • The children, aged five and six, are in the pediatric intensive care unit experiencing neurological symptoms.
  • Doctors are treating the children and urging parents to keep dangerous substances away from children.

Two toddlers are in the pediatric intensive care unit at Galilee Medical Center after consuming chocolate laced with hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation. The children, aged five-and-a-half and six-and-a-half, were admitted to the emergency room on Sunday and are under close observation.

The children came to us in a state of confusion, with dilated pupils and active hallucinations.

— Dr. Sally MakhomA physician at the Galilee Medical Center's Children's Emergency Department, describing the children's condition upon arrival.

While physically stable upon arrival, the children exhibited neurological symptoms, including confusion and dilated pupils with active hallucinations, according to Dr. Sally Makhom of the Children's Emergency Department. The mushrooms are believed to be from the Psilocybe/Panaeolus family, which can cause severe health issues. The children were stabilized and are receiving treatment and monitoring in coordination with the National Poison Control Center.

We immediately stabilized them and, in coordination with the National Poison [Control] Center, began treatment and monitoring.

— Dr. Sally MakhomA physician at the Galilee Medical Center's Children's Emergency Department, explaining the initial medical response.

Galilee Medical Center Deputy Director Dr. Zvi Sheleg described the incident as serious and life-threatening, but stated that the children's condition is not critical due to the parents' vigilance and the swift actions of the medical teams. He emphasized the importance of parental responsibility in keeping dangerous substances out of reach and seeking immediate medical help if poisoning is suspected.

Due to the volatile nature of this type of poisoning, they were transferred for continued supervision in the pediatric intensive care unit.

— Dr. Sally MakhomA physician at the Galilee Medical Center's Children's Emergency Department, explaining the decision to move the children to the ICU.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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