Unintentional deaths from carbon-monoxide poisoning due to a traditional practice observed during the post-partum period

Abstract

Deaths resulting from carbon-monoxide poisoning have been reported in the medical literature under diverse circumstances. Here, we report four deaths due to carbon-monoxide poisoning as a result of a traditional practice involving the application of heat to the abdomen to facilitate uterine involution during the immediate post-partum period. Four people died due to carbon-monoxide poisoning in two separate incidents, including two women in the post-partum period. In both instances, the women slept beside a stove with burning charcoal, which was supposed to provide warmth to the lower abdomen.