Assam: 13 children fall ill after consuming soapnuts in Jorhat, three critical

Guwahati: Thirteen children have fallen ill after eating soapnuts in Assam's Jorhat district. The children consumed the fruits while playing in the Bor Soykotte tea garden in Titabar. 

All the affected children were admitted to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital after their condition worsened. According to doctors, three children are in critical condition in the ICU, while the condition of the other 10 is stable.

What had happened?

At least 13 children fell ill after eating soapnuts (reetha) in Assam's Jorhat district. Officials said that the incident occurred in the Bor Soykotte tea garden, located in the Titabar area. 

According to reports in the local media, a senior health department official said that the children ate the soapnuts while playing on Saturday evening. Initially, the children experienced mild discomfort, but their condition worsened by late night. Their families then reported the serious condition, after which the children were immediately admitted to the tea garden's hospital.

The official said that the condition of some children deteriorated further during treatment, and consequently, all 13 children were referred to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (JMCH) on Sunday morning. A team of specialist doctors is treating the children there.

What is the situation now? 

Jorhat Medical College and Hospital Superintendent Manab Gohain said that all 13 children have been admitted to the hospital and treatment has begun, and their health is being continuously monitored. He said that three of the children are in critical condition and have been admitted to the ICU, while the condition of the remaining 10 children is currently stable.

According to doctors, eating soapnuts caused vomiting, stomach pain, and other health problems in the children. The hospital administration has assured the children's families that there will be no lapse in treatment and that all necessary medical facilities are being provided.

Following the incident, the local administration and health department have also become vigilant. Officials have appealed to people in the tea garden area to prevent children from eating such fruits or wild plants and to educate them about the dangers.

What are soapnuts?

Soapnut is a natural fruit containing a substance called saponin, which creates lather in water. For this reason, it is traditionally used for washing clothes, hair, and for cleaning.