Epidemiological Investigation of Kerosene Burn Tragedy in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

About three-quarters' of all burn-related deaths follow kerosene accidents and house fire. The cause and the risk of burn injury are influenced by age, economic status, occupation and environmental circumstances leading to the injury. This report provides epidemiological facts concerning recent kerosene tragedy reported in Ilorin in which 12(18.5%) deaths out of 65 cases of burns investigated was recorded while 12(23%) of the remaining 53 cases receiving treatment were at risk of death due to severe burns they sustained. Although careless use of kerosene in fire lighting practices by the victims was a major risk factor identified, adulteration of the product poses a great danger to its use for demits purposes. Public enlightenment on safe fire lighting and cautious use of Kerosene are recommended.


Sahel Med. J. Vol.5(4) 2002: 186-189