Incident in Chamarajanagar

Jatropha curcas seeds poisoned five women and eight children in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka last week, forcing their hospitalization. This incident led Food Safety Commissioner Srinivas K to issue a public warning about the dangers of consuming toxic fruits.

Toxicity of Jatropha

Srinivas K emphasized the plant’s high toxicity, explaining that every part of Jatropha contains poisonous substances, with its seeds being particularly dangerous due to high levels of ricin. He stated, “Eating the seeds triggers symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and a burning sensation in the throat.” He added that these symptoms can manifest within 15 minutes of consumption.  Srinivas also raised concerns about the seeds’ appealing taste, which makes them especially hazardous to children. He warned that the plant’s slender stems and evergreen appearance increase the likelihood of accidental ingestion.

Health Update on the Victims

Doctors at Kollegal Taluk Hospital treated thirteen individuals from the nomadic Banjara community, who recovered and were discharged within a day. Chamarajanagar District Health Officer Chidambara S reported that medical staff kept a child with intellectual disabilities under observation before releasing them.

Details of the Incident

The poisoning occurred on November 27, when the group, engaged in sugarcane-cutting work in Kollegal, consumed Jatropha curcas seeds. Authorities sent images of the ingested fruit to forensic experts for analysis. This incident highlights the urgent need to raise awareness about the dangers of toxic plants like Jatropha curcas, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Source: The Times of India