Large outbreak of Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) poisoning due to consumption of contaminated humanitarian relief food: Uganda, March–April 2019

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorMutebi, Ronald R.
dc.contributor.authorArio, Alex R.
dc.contributor.authorNabatanzi, Maureen
dc.contributor.authorKyamwine, Irene B.
dc.contributor.authorWibabara, Yvette
dc.contributor.authorMuwereza, Peter
dc.contributor.authorEurien, Daniel
dc.contributor.authorKwesiga, Benon
dc.contributor.authorBulage, Lilian
dc.contributor.authorKabwama, Steven N.
dc.contributor.authorKadobera, Daniel
dc.contributor.authorHenderson, Alden
dc.contributor.authorCallahan, John H.
dc.contributor.authorCroley, Timothy R.
dc.contributor.authorKnolhoff, Ann M.
dc.contributor.authorMangrum, John B.
dc.contributor.authorHandy, Sara M.
dc.contributor.authorMcFarland, Melinda A.
dc.contributor.authorFong Sam, Jennifer L.
dc.contributor.authorHarris, Julie R.
dc.contributor.authorZhu, Bao‑Ping
dc.date.accessioned2023-11-22T17:11:49Z
dc.date.available2023-11-22T17:11:49Z
dc.date.issued2022
dc.description.abstractJimsonweed (Datura stramonium) contains toxic alkaloids that cause gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms when ingested. This can be lethal at high doses. The plant may grow together with leguminous crops, mixing with them during harvesting. On 13 March 2019, more than 200 case-patients were admitted to multiple health centres for acute gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms. We investigated to determine the cause and magnitude of the outbreak and recommended evidence-based control and prevention measures. Methods: We defined a suspected case as sudden onset of confusion, dizziness, convulsions, hallucinations, diarrhoea, or vomiting with no other medically plausible explanations in a resident of Napak or Amudat District from 1 March—30 April 2019. We reviewed medical records and canvassed all villages of the eight affected subcounties to identify cases. In a retrospective cohort study conducted in 17 villages that reported the earliest cases, we interviewed 211 residents about dietary history during 11–15 March. We used modified Poisson regression to assess suspected food exposures. Food samples underwent chemical (heavy metals, chemical contaminants, and toxins), proteomic, DNA, and microbiological testing in one national and three international laboratories. Results: We identified 293 suspected cases; five (1.7%) died. Symptoms included confusion (62%), dizziness (38%), diarrhoea (22%), nausea/vomiting (18%), convulsions (12%), and hallucinations (8%). The outbreak started on 12 March, 2–12 h after Batch X of fortified corn-soy blend (CSB +) was distributed. In the retrospective cohort study, 66% of 134 persons who ate CSB + , compared with 2.2% of 75 who did not developed illness ( RRadj = 22, 95% CI = 6.0–81). Samples of Batch X distributed 11–15 March contained 14 tropane alkaloids, including atropine (25-50 ppm) and scopolamine (1-10 ppm). Proteins of Solanaceae seeds and Jimsonweed DNA were identified. No other significant laboratory findings were observed. Conclusion: This was the largest documented outbreak caused by food contamination with tropane alkaloids. Implicated food was immediately withdrawn. Routine food safety and quality checks could prevent future outbreaks.en_US
dc.identifier.citationMutebi, R. R., Ario, A. R., Nabatanzi, M., Kyamwine, I. B., Wibabara, Y., Muwereza, P., ... & Zhu, B. P. (2022). Large outbreak of Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) poisoning due to consumption of contaminated humanitarian relief food: Uganda, March–April 2019. BMC public health, 22(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-12854-1en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-12854-1
dc.identifier.urihttps://nru.uncst.go.ug/handle/123456789/9359
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherBMC public healthen_US
dc.subjectJimsonweeden_US
dc.subjectFood poisoningen_US
dc.subjectOutbreaken_US
dc.subjectHumanitarianen_US
dc.titleLarge outbreak of Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) poisoning due to consumption of contaminated humanitarian relief food: Uganda, March–April 2019en_US
dc.typeArticleen_US
Files
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
license.txt
Size:
1.71 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download
Collections
Medical and Health Sciences