Nausea, burns

Several hikers injured by poisonous plant

The poisonous plant giant hogweed has injured 17 people in Germany while hiking (symbolic image).(Bild: stock.adobe.com/Paul Gorvett)

In the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, at least 17 hikers have been injured after coming into contact with a poisonous plant. Five of them had to be treated in hospital. The plant called giant hogweed secretes a liquid that reacts with sunlight, according to the fire department.

Touching it could lead to skin burns on arms or legs, for example. "Other hikers have reported nausea," the fire department said. They were first informed about discomfort and skin burns in the early hours of Sunday afternoon, after which the reports increased. Numerous ambulances were called out.

Other hikers reported nausea.

Feuerwehr Essen

The incident occurred during the so-called Mammutmarsch, which starts in Grugapark in Essen. The park is also the destination of the 100-kilometer march, where the hikers were expected to arrive in the early hours of the morning on Sunday.

Hercules weed or bear's claw
The giant hogweed is also known as bear's claw, Hercules' claw or Hercules' herb. The plant originally comes from the Caucasus and is now widespread throughout Central Europe and parts of North America. It can be found on forest edges, clearings, in riparian zones and mountain regions.

For sensitive people, simple contact with the leaves is enough to cause redness, skin inflammation or irritation. Other consequences can include weeping sores that last for weeks, fever, sweating and circulatory shock. Anyone who has come into contact with giant hogweed should avoid the sun and wash the affected areas of skin with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.