Accidental paraffin poisoning in Kenyan children
- 2 April 2008
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in Tropical Medicine & International Health
- Vol. 13 (6), 845-847
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3156.2008.02067.x
Abstract
A serious and common accident in rural Kenyan homesteads is accidental ingestion of paraffin when it has been mistaken for water and offered to a young child. Here we report the incidence, parental practices and outcome of severe paraffin poisoning, requiring admission at Kilifi District Hospital, Kenya. Over a 2-year period, 48 children (0.5% of all admissions) were admitted with kerosene poisoning, constituting 62% of all poisoning cases. All cases were accidental. Ten per cent had induced vomiting. One child (2%) died. We suggest these data support assessment followed by implementation of practical and affordable measures to prevent paraffin poisoning.Keywords
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