The third victim of poisoning in a family in the city of Parnaíba, in the north of Piauí, died in the early hours of Monday (6). Lauane da Silva, aged three, had been admitted to the Teresina Emergency Hospital (HUT) since last Wednesday (1st), after eating rice poisoned with a toxic substance.
According to the Piauí Scientific Police report, the presence of terbufós, a toxic pesticide, known as “chumbinho”, was confirmed in the victims’ bodies.
Chumbinho
Delegate Abimael Silva, responsible for investigating the poisoning, confirmed to Brazil Agency that the substance was found in the food.
“The report confirmed that the active substance, terbufós, was found in the rice, which can also be found in chumbinho,” said Silva.
A pesticide, terbufós is prohibited from being sold in Brazil for domestic use.
It is permitted for use by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) and the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) for application in sugarcane, peanut, bean crops, among others, as a way of controlling pests, such as rats.
The poison works by paralyzing the nervous system, causing the pests to die quickly. When used incorrectly, the poison can also kill humans and animals.
The poisoned rice was consumed by the family during lunch and was made with leftovers from New Year’s Eve.
Poisoning
In total, nine people in the family were affected by the poison. When they felt unwell, the victims were taken to the Dirceu Arcoverde State Hospital (Heda).
The first death was that of Manoel Leandro da Silva, aged 18, who died in the ambulance of the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu). The second, Igno Davi da Silva, 1 year and 8 months old, died shortly after being admitted to the hospital.
The following are hospitalized: Francisca Maria da Silva, 32 years old (mother of Lauane and Igno Davi) – admitted to Hospital Dirceu Arcoverde (Heda), in Parnaíba; and Lauane’s sister, 4 years old (daughter of Francisca Maria), admitted to the Teresina Emergency Hospital.
The following were discharged: Francisco de Assis Pereira da Costa, 53 years old (stepfather of Manoel and Francisca); an 11-year-old child (son of Francisco de Assis); a 17-year-old teenager (Manoel’s sister) and Maria Jocilene da Silva, 32 years old.
Investigation
The poisoning would have happened on Wednesday (1st). “Civil police officers were at the scene and food eaten by the family was seized, which is being analyzed by experts to complete reports,” said a statement from the Civil Police.
Among the foods that underwent toxicological testing were a baião de Dois – a typical northeastern dish made with rice and beans by the family itself – and fish that they had received as a donation on the 31st.
The delegate also confirmed that this same family had two children die from poisoning in August 2024, after consuming poisoned cashews.
“In principle, we are not relating [o caso atual] with the poisoning in August 2024, especially because we need confirmation of the reports. Once they have the reports, we will be able to work on these hypotheses”, explained Abimael Silva.
The suspect of having delivered the contaminated cashews last year is under arrest, according to the police chief.
The investigation has a period of 30 days to be completed, and may be extended if necessary.
