Jerusalem toddlers hospitalized after exposure to sedatives in blood, source still under investigation

Three toddlers from Jerusalem were hospitalized in the past 24 hours after developing apathy, weakness, drowsiness and balance problems, and tests found benzodiazepine residues in their blood. The children had reportedly eaten fruit puree shortly before symptoms began, but authorities have not yet proven any direct link to that food. The Health Ministry and police have opened an investigation to determine how the children were exposed and where the substance came from.

According to the report, all three children quickly developed similar neurological symptoms, including unusual sleepiness, reduced alertness, and difficulty walking and keeping their balance. They were taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, admitted for observation, and later discharged after improving. The article notes that this does not look like a typical food poisoning case, which usually causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or fever.

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications used for anxiety, sleep disorders, seizures and medical sedation, including drugs such as Klonex, Valium, Lorivan, Xanax and Dormicum. The article says even relatively small amounts can affect toddlers strongly because of their low body weight and developing nervous system, and in severe cases can cause breathing suppression, low blood pressure or loss of consciousness. Possible sources under review include contamination during production, packaging, distribution or storage, post-opening contamination, a shared non-food exposure, or an unrelated coincidence.

The article says pesticide exposure is also being considered, but is less consistent with the symptoms and the lab findings. Parents are urged to seek immediate medical care if a child shows unusual sleepiness, apathy, confusion, weakness or trouble walking. The main conclusion so far is that the children have recovered, but the origin of the sedatives remains unknown while the investigation continues.