In the Kirovohrad region, an infant was poisoned by nitrates in well water
In the Kropyvnytskyi district, medical professionals have reported a case of a dangerous condition—water-nitrate methemoglobinemia—in an 11-month-old child.
This was reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the Kirovohrad region on Facebook.
The cause of hospitalization was the use of contaminated water from a private well to prepare baby food.
The incident occurred in one of the villages of the Subotivska territorial community.
The child was admitted to the intensive care unit in serious condition with characteristic symptoms: severe general weakness and cyanosis of the skin.
Specialists from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a laboratory analysis of the water used by the family.
The analysis confirmed that the nitrate level in the well was nearly twice the permissible limit—with a standard of up to 50 mg/dm³, the readings were critically higher.
Currently, doctors assess the infant’s condition as moderate; the child is under the supervision of medical staff.
This is the second such case in the Kirovohrad region in 2026; the previous incident was recorded in April in the Novoukrainsky district.
Water-nitrate methemoglobinemia is an extremely dangerous condition caused by the toxic effect of nitrates on the blood.
As a result of a chemical reaction, hemoglobin is converted into methemoglobin, which is unable to transport oxygen, leading to tissue hypoxia.
Children under the age of three are most vulnerable to this condition, as their digestive systems do not yet have enough enzymes to neutralize toxins.
Bluish discoloration around the mouth, on the hands, and on the feet is the first sign that urgent medical attention is needed.
In addition to visible skin changes, affected children often experience gastrointestinal disturbances, including vomiting and diarrhea.
The lack of timely medical care can lead to irreversible consequences for the child’s body due to acute hypoxia.
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