[88070] Suspected mass poisoning of toddlers: Authorities investigate an exceptional case at Hadassah Hospital
[88070] Suspected mass poisoning of toddlers: Authorities investigate an exceptional case at Hadassah Hospital
Four children were evacuated to Hadassah Ein Kerem with symptoms of poisoning from sedatives, which led the hospital staff to raise suspicions of an exceptional event that is not accidental.
The case of the toddler poisoning at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital
Last Thursday, four children were brought to the pediatric emergency department at Hadassah Ein Kerem with symptoms of drowsiness, apathy, and loss of balance. As reported on Hadashot MeHashetach on Telegram, laboratory tests confirmed that this was benzodiazepine poisoning – active ingredients in sedatives and sleeping pills.
According to Prof. Saar Hashavya, director of the pediatric emergency department and deputy director of the hospital, the event deviates from the format of routine accidental ingestion. On HaHadashot HaChamot, Prof. Hashavya explained: "The current cluster of cases was exceptional both in the fact that a number of children were poisoned simultaneously and in light of the lack of possible access to prescription drugs in their environment."
Following the alertness of the medical staff who identified a pattern similar to a previous case reported to the authorities, it was decided to provide an immediate report to the Ministry of Health and law enforcement agencies. According to Hadassah, the medical staff chose to act as a "voice" for the children due to the concern that this is a "more extensive event than a localized exposure."
As of the last update, the children's condition improved after supportive care and observation, and they were released to their homes. The authorities have opened an extensive investigation to examine the circumstances of the exceptional case.