Children fall ill after consuming wild fruit in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar; three critical

Children from migrant families in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district fell ill after consuming a wild fruit. Eight were hospitalised, and four remain in critical condition. The incident highlights health risks for seasonal workers unfamiliar with local environmental hazards.

Chamarajanagar: Thirteen families from Maharashtra had recently migrated to Chamarajanagar’s Yelandur taluk to work as sugarcane harvesters. But on Sunday evening, a group of children from among these migrant families landed in the hospital after consuming a toxic wild fruit, turning their seasonal move into a medical emergency.

The incident occurred in Yeriyur village, where the families had been temporarily settled. According to police, the children had eaten a wild forest fruit known locally as pichannu. Soon after consuming it, a woman and eight children began vomiting and displayed signs of poisoning.

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Emergency services were immediately contacted through the 108 helpline. The affected individuals were rushed to the district hospital in Chamarajanagar, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Medical staff have provided glucose and oxygen support as part of the emergency response.

While most of the victims are reported to be stable and showing signs of recovery, three individuals, including one child, are said to be in critical condition. They have been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), where close monitoring continues.

A team of doctors is supervising treatment around the clock. Speaking to Telangana Today on Monday, Dr KR Mahesha said that 8 children, including a woman admitted to the hospital, while four children were critical. All necessary medical support is being extended, and the next 24 hours will be crucial. The samples of fruit have been sent to the laboratory for examination, and we are waiting for the report.

The incident has triggered concern in local circles, as it highlights the vulnerabilities of migrant workers and their families, especially children, to environmental and health risks in unfamiliar regions. Many of these families come from underprivileged backgrounds and are often unaware of the dangers posed by certain wild fruits or local flora.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the fruit contained any specific toxins, but samples are being analysed to ascertain the cause of illness.