ABSTRACT
The authors report methods used to characterize an outbreak of food-borne acute toxicity among the labour force of a cotton plantation in Middle Awash Agricultural Development Enterprise in July and August 1984. Among 1492 patients seen at the Enterprise and Ministry of Health clinics during this period; 688 (46.1 per cent) exhibited unusual signs and symptoms. Thirty three patients required hospitalization for intensive medical care while nine patients were reported to have died due to this condition.Contamination of corn flour with pesticides was initially suspected and laboratory animal tests were carried out which failed to show any signs of acute toxicity. Investigation of the source of the corn and its processing was simultaneously conducted and revealed the contamination of the corn with seeds of an indigenous plant identified as Datura stramonium; an antimuscarinic alkaloid. These alkaloids contain hyoscine and hyoscyamine which is known to have toxic effect on the exocrine glands; heart; and the autonomic nervous system in man. Signs and symptoms observed in the patients and preventive measures implemented are discussed