Carbon monoxide poisoning from gas water heater installed and operated in the bathroom

Two cases of carbon monoxide poisoning involving 3 victims occurred in Cameron Highlands in the months of August and September 1995. Two of the victims were found dead in the bathrooms where they were taking a bath while the other one survived. Blood toxicology from the post mortems revealed high levels of carbon monoxide. The only significant source of carbon monoxide in both cases were the gas water heaters which were installed in the bathrooms. A multigas detector was used to monitor the level of carbon monoxide in one of the bathrooms and carbon monoxide was found to be produced to 1200 ppm in 16 minutes during operation of the heater. Carbon monoxide poisoning from gas water heaters installed in bathroom is a significant hazard.

Successful outcome following a disrupted Björk-Shiley prosthetic mitral valve

This report describes an early diagnosis and successful correction of a disrupted "improved" Björk-Shiley prosthetic valve in the mitral position. The role of 2-Dimensional echocardiography in the diagnosis is emphasized.

Pediculosis among rural school children in Kelang, Selangor, Malaysia and their susceptibility to malathion, carbaryl, perigen and kerosene

A HIGH prevalence rate (41.5%) for head louse infestation has been recorded among rural school-children in Selangor, Malaysia. Distribu tion of the ecto-parasite among the three main ethnic groups (Indians 51.8%, Malays 42%, and Chinese 27.3%) was also studied. The prevalence rate de pended on the length of hair and sex of the person involved.

Treatment with 0.2% and 0.5% Malathion resulted in immediate success rate of 79.2% and 91.5%. Treatment with Carbaryl resulted in an immediate success rate of 100% at dosages of 0.6% and above.

Perigen applied at a dosage of 0.1% gave an immediate success rate of 97.6% whereas kerosene applied undiluted showed a success rate of 87.5%. No side reactions were recorded with any of the insecti cides used, with the exception of kerosene.