Two Thai Workers Hospitalized in ICU After Eating Toxic Wild Tobacco Plant in Israel

Two foreign workers from Thailand were hospitalized at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa after consuming a wild tobacco plant they had picked near their residence in a Carmel Coast settlement. The workers prepared a soup from the plant, and within hours, both exhibited poisoning symptoms. One patient is in critical condition, sedated and on a ventilator due to respiratory distress, while the other has improved and was transferred to an internal medicine ward for further observation.

The toxic substance in the plant is primarily Anabasine, which acts similarly to nicotine. Ingesting parts of the plant can cause gastrointestinal irritation, excessive salivation, sweating, dizziness, headaches, tremors, blood pressure and heart rate changes, and central nervous system damage including seizures and loss of consciousness. Dr. Yael Luria, head of the National Poison Information Center at Rambam, explained that the severity depends on the ingested amount, with rare cases leading to death. There is no specific antidote; treatment focuses on supporting vital functions until the toxin is cleared from the body.

Although such poisonings are rare, previous cases have been reported. Rambam Medical Center warns the public against picking, brewing, or cooking with unidentified wild plants. In this case, the plant was brought to the emergency room by the patients and identified by volunteer botanical experts advising the poison center. Authorities emphasize the importance of seeking immediate medical help if poisoning is suspected.