Meperfluthrin poisoning from mosquito repellent fumes in a 14-year-old Nigerian male adolescent- a case report

Abstract

Mosquito coils, common in resource-constraint countries where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic, are slow- burning sticks that emit smoke containing mosquito repellents, commonly pyrethroids like meperfluthrin. In humans, the documented side effects of inhaled meperfluthrin are few. We report a case of meperfluthrin toxicity following exposure to mosquito coil fumes. A 14-year-old male adolescent developed multiple episodes of vomiting, respiratory distress, and altered consciousness following exposure to mosquito-repellent fumes containing 0.25% meperfluthrin. He had slept on a floor mat CC –BY 4.0 with the burning coil 20cm from his face before the onset of symptoms. He received initial oxygen, steroids, and antibiotics care at a private hospital before being referred to the teaching hospital. At presentation, his Glasgow Coma Score was 12, otherwise normal CNS finding. He developed irrational talk, violent behaviour and insomnia three days later. He recovered fully with supportive care. Excessive inhalation of meperfluthrinfumes maylead to neurotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity.

Keywords

• meperfluthrin; mosquito coil; inhalational poisoning; children; nigeria