Child develops acute lung injury and multi-organ dysfunction after consuming mosquito-repellent liquid

A 19-month-old child who accidentally consumed mosquito-repellent liquid suffered severe lung damage and multiple organ complications before recovering after nearly three weeks of intensive treatment at Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, TOI reported.

The toddler was brought to the hospital after reportedly gaining access to a mosquito-repellent refill bottle and ingesting some of the liquid. Doctors said a portion of the chemical may also have entered the lungs, leading to serious medical complications and a critical deterioration in the child's condition.

Severe complications developed within hours

According to doctors, the child developed acute lung injury, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, kidney injury and multi-organ dysfunction within hours of the incident. Oxygen levels remained dangerously low despite intensive medical intervention, raising concerns about both survival and potential long-term damage to the lungs.


"The child came to us in an extremely critical condition. For a period, survival appeared unlikely as oxygen levels remained severely compromised," said Dhiren Gupta, who led the treatment along with the hospital's paediatric intensive care team, including Suresh Gupta, Anil Sachdeva and Neeraj Gupta.

Twenty-day intensive care battle

The child remained in the paediatric intensive care unit and required advanced ventilatory support, medications to maintain blood pressure and specialised therapies aimed at improving oxygenation.

After 20 days of intensive care, the toddler's condition gradually improved and the child was eventually discharged. Doctors noted that neurological recovery was particularly encouraging despite the prolonged period of low oxygen levels.

Doctors highlight household safety risks

According to the family, the toddler had pulled a chair to reach a plugged-in mosquito-repellent device and handled the refill unit before the incident occurred.

Doctors said mosquito-repellent products are often viewed as harmless household items but can pose significant risks if inhaled or ingested. They warned that even small amounts entering the lungs can result in severe chemical injury.

Medical experts advised parents to keep mosquito-repellent devices, refill packs and insecticides out of children's reach and to regularly check for loose fittings or leaks before use.

The incident highlights how common household products can quickly become dangerous for young children if proper precautions are not taken.