Woman killed by poison, others hospitalized in Ebonyi community 

By Darlington Onwukaike

Onyikwa community in Ndufu Alike community, Ikwo local government area in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria, was thrown into confusion on the morning after Christmas day.

An entire family failed to wake up after having a fun-filled Christmas celebration.

As neighbours noticed the unusual development, they approached their residence, only to discover they were unconscious.

Confused by the occurrence, some community members administered different herbal concoctions on them, thinking they poisoned by an individual.

As the day progressed, more enlightened members of the village intervened, advocating for the family’s transfer to the nearest hospital.

Unfortunately, the delay had worsened their condition, and before arriving at the hospital, the emergency staff at Grace Gate Hospital (GGH), Ndufu Echara in Ikwo local government area, confirmed that the mother had passed away, while four others required intensive care.

They were subsequently referred to the Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), and the youngest, a 12-year-old girl, was admitted to GGH.

After conducting a detailed medical history and examination, the Medical Officer in charge of the hospital, who granted an interview, explained that the family had used a generating set close to their rooms after the Christmas celebrations and had started watching movies.

According to the doctor, the victims inhaled the fumes from the generator, which contained carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas.

This gas displaced the normal oxygen they were supposed to inhale, causing respiratory acidosis and resulting in multiple organ damage.

The doctor described their condition as carbon monoxide poisoning and stated that their body’s response to the situation depended on their health status before the incident, which he referred to as their premorbid state.

The delay in administering antidotes and possible complications that may have followed exacerbated the situation.

As of the time of this report, the 12-year-old girl admitted to GGH, Ndufu Echara, Ikwo, as well as three of those admitted to AEFUTH, Abakaliki, have been discharged. The only one still receiving treatment at AEFUTHA is reportedly responding well.

In his advice to the public, the Medical Officer in charge of GGH, Ikwo, enlightened the community about the dangers of keeping a generating set close to the house, where the fumes can be inhaled.

He described it as a hazardous practice and reported an increase in similar incidents during festive seasons.

While sympathizing with the community and particularly the family for the loss of their mother, he commended the community members who facilitated the family’s transfer to the hospital despite the initial delays.

He promised to continue providing adequate care, including timely referrals of complicated cases, to the community members and thanked God for saving the survivors.

Understanding Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, is inhaled and enters the bloodstream.

CO is produced when fossil fuels, such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, and wood, are burned incompletely.

When CO is inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, forming carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).

This reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to the body’s tissues and organs, leading to tissue damage and potentially life-threatening consequences.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be non-specific and may resemble those of other conditions, such as flu or food poisoning.

Common symptoms include headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue or weakness, confusion or disorientation, and shortness of breath.

Severe CO poisoning can cause loss of consciousness, coma, brain damage, heart attack, and even death.

Report filed by Darlington Onwukaike

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