Acute poisoning in children.

This prospective study comprised 120 children brought to the hospital with the history of acute poisoning. Poisonings occurred accidentally in 116 cases (96.7%) and 78 cases (65%) were children aged 1-4 years. Medical aid was sought earliest in case of children with animal bite and in infants. Kerosene and medications accounted for 72 cases (60%) of poisoning exposures. None of the care-takers of children received any instruction regarding prevention of accidents and poisoning prior to the episode, in spite of multiple contacts with health-care providers. Role of health education and other preventive measures are stressed.