Accidental organophosphate poisoning in a child in Uyo, Nigeria: a public health alert

Abstract

Organophosphates are often constituents of pesticides and insecticides. Some of these products are sold by unregistered vendors on the streets and in market places in sub-Saharan Africa. When purchased, and improperly stored, children may easily have access to, and inadvertently consume them. The clinical features of organophosphate poisoning include diarrhoea, diaphoresis, urination, miosis, bronchorrhoea, bronchospasm, bradycardia, emesis, lacrimation and salivation. Atropine administration is an important cornerstone of the management of this condition, with a good outcome in this instance. A case of organophosphate poisoning is herein reported to illustrate the effect of the predisposing factors to accidental childhood poisoning. It is hoped that this will help make an urgent case to raise public awareness on the prevention of accidental childhood poisoning, as well as the enforcement of regulations on the production, labeling, distribution and sale of these organophosphate compounds.