Datura poisoning has prompted health and environmental authorities in Kuwait to strengthen public warnings about a toxic plant. Officials report sightings across residential neighbourhoods and public spaces, urging families to prevent accidental exposure.
The Kuwait Poison Control Center recently treated several serious poisoning cases involving toxic plants, including Datura. Dr Abdullatif Al-Omi, the centre’s head at Al-Amiri Hospital, confirmed that patients required hospital admission and medical treatment.
He stressed that children face particular risks because they may approach unfamiliar plants out of curiosity. Therefore, authorities are encouraging parents to explain the dangers and keep children away from wild vegetation.
Datura belongs to the nightshade family and typically grows during spring and summer. Depending on temperature and humidity, however, the plant may continue appearing into early autumn.
Its distinctive appearance includes large white or purple trumpet-shaped flowers that open during nighttime. It also has strongly scented leaves and round, green fruits covered in sharp spines.
Inside those fruits, numerous seeds contain dangerous substances alongside other toxic parts of the plant. Datura contains tropane alkaloids, including atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which can seriously affect the nervous system.
Exposure through consumption can cause several symptoms that require urgent medical attention. These include dry mouth, enlarged pupils, rapid heartbeat, confusion, delirium and severe hallucinations.
In more serious cases, poisoning can progress to seizures, coma and even death. Consequently, health officials strongly advise residents against eating or using unidentified wild plants.
Al-Omi said authorities had received reports of Datura growing in residential districts and public locations. Meanwhile, the poison centre is coordinating with relevant agencies to identify affected sites and arrange prevention measures.
He clarified that the plant can spread naturally without deliberate planting by residents. Nevertheless, its presence creates a serious risk when people consume it or handle it unsafely.
Anyone who develops symptoms after eating an unknown plant should seek emergency medical care immediately. Al-Omi specifically warned against inducing vomiting or relying on traditional home remedies.
He also recommended taking a clear photograph or keeping a sample for identification. This information can help medical professionals determine which plant caused the exposure and guide treatment.
Residents can contact Kuwait’s Poison Control Center on 1804774 for specialist advice around the clock. Furthermore, officials urged families to avoid using wild plants in homemade drinks, traditional recipes or other remedies.
Sharifa Al-Salem, head of the Wildlife Monitoring Section at the Environment Public Authority, described recent coordination efforts. She said the authority and poison centre had discussed reports involving Datura and other potentially dangerous wildlife.
Their discussions also covered scorpions, snakes, jellyfish and stonefish found in areas accessible to the public. Al-Salem urged residents not to touch, collect or consume unfamiliar plants and wildlife.
Instead, she advised people to report sightings directly to the relevant authorities. This approach allows specialists to assess potential hazards and determine appropriate safety measures.
Nouf Al-Hashash, Acting Director of Environmental Rehabilitation at the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, explained how Datura spreads. She said the plant adapts easily and produces large quantities of seeds.
Those seeds can remain dormant underground for extended periods before suitable moisture encourages them to germinate. As a result, removing visible plants alone may not prevent future growth.
PAAF has therefore proposed a joint meeting with the poison centre and environmental authority. The proposed cooperation aims to develop a coordinated national programme to control the plant.
The programme would begin with field inspections, prioritising schools, parks and public facilities. Authorities would also assess risks in locations where children regularly spend time.
Further measures would cover safe plant removal, proper disposal and routine inspections of treated areas. Additionally, officials propose a public awareness campaign to explain the dangers and prevention steps.
Through these coordinated measures, Kuwait’s authorities aim to reduce exposure and prevent further poisoning incidents. Their central message remains clear: residents should never eat unidentified wild plants or allow children to handle them.
