Deadly nightshade poisoning in Kars: 8 children hospitalized
In the Arpaçay and Kağızman districts of Kars, 8 children were poisoned by a wild plant known as 'güzelavrat' (deadly nightshade). Experts have warned families about the dangers of such plants and called for children to be educated on the risks.
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Eight children in the Arpaçay and Kağızman districts were poisoned after consuming a wild plant that grows naturally in the fields, known locally as 'güzelavrat' (deadly nightshade). Of the children who completed their treatment at Kars Harakani State Hospital, 6 have been discharged, 1 remains under observation, and another is continuing treatment in the ward.
'WE MUST WARN OUR CHILDREN'
Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Aslı Sezal Çubukçu, stating that the children arrived at the emergency department yesterday evening due to poisoning, said, "The wild plant, known locally as 'güzelavrat' or 'deli bat bat', is an endemic plant species found in Eastern Anatolian provinces such as Kars, Ardahan, Erzurum, and Erzincan. Poisonings can occur after children consume it unknowingly or mistake it for another edible plant. Symptoms observed in patients include elevated body temperature, dryness in the mouth and skin, hallucinations, seizures, tachycardia, and cardiac arrhythmia. We identified hallucinations in 3 of our patients, seizures in 1, and symptoms of elevated body temperature and dry mouth in our other patients. We are keeping our patient who had a seizure in the ward for observation. We must absolutely warn our children about the effects of these plants," she said.
Şakir Aydın, the grandfather of 6-year-old S.A., who had a seizure and was admitted to the Pediatric Ward for observation, said, "We live in the village of Paslı in the Kağızman district. The child was poisoned by the plant he ate yesterday evening; when he became ill, we brought him to the hospital. He has been checked and is being kept for observation; his condition is good."