PETALING JAYA: A toddler is believed to suffered acute nicotine poisoning at Bera, Pahang.
According to the Health Ministry, the incident occurred on May 30 involving a two-year-old girl who had no history of chronic illness.
"On the day of the incident the child was found by her grandfather suffering symptoms including coughing, vomiting and shortness of breath.
"When the child was found, there was a disposable electronic cigarette device lying on the floor near the child," it said in a statement on Monday (June 5).
It added that the child was believed to have inhaled or ingested liquid from disposable electronic cigarette devices.
"The child was then referred to the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital (HoSHAS), Temerloh, Pahang because she needed breathing assistance in the Child Intensive Care Unit.
"She was reported to have suffered convulsions twice during treatment," it said adding that the patients condition was stable and breathing without the aid of a respirator and was being monitored by the hospital.
It said although this incident was initially reported as a probable case of EVALI (Electronic Vape Associated Lung Injury), the clinical findings did not meet the EVALI criteria as stated in the Clinical Practice Guidelines on Management of E-Cigarette Or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), 2021.
"Urine test results show the presence of nicotine at high levels.
"The electronic cigarette device found has been sent to a laboratory for further testing," it said adding that the patient was confirmed to have an Acute Life Threatening Event Secondary To Possible Alleged Nicotine Ingestion Complicated With Seizure.
The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that any use of smoking products including electronic cigarettes was harmful to health.
"Nicotine poisoning due to the use of tobacco or electronic cigarette liquid can cause acute effects such as heart palpitations, vomiting and seizures.
"It can happen to all users including children. High nicotine effect as well Long-term nicotine exposure, especially to children, will cause brain growth to be affected," it said.
