Household misuse of Sniper® and Lava® (dichlorvos) in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction Dichlorvos-based insecticides intended for agricultural and professional pest control, including Sniper® and Lava®, are increasingly used indoors for mosquito control in urban areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo.Methods We reviewed calls to the Lubumbashi Poison Control Centre and clinical reports from health facilities in Kinshasa and Kolwezi concerning acute symptoms after domestic use of Sniper® or Lava®. Cholinesterase activity was not measured.Results Between 7 December 2025 and 25 February 2026, 22 cases of possible poisoning after indoor spraying were reported: 7 by telephone in Lubumbashi, 12 in Kinshasa (11 admitted to hospital), and 3 in Kolwezi (all admitted). Symptoms included dizziness, headache, nausea, and dyspnea. Products were often applied at night with improvised spray containers in poorly ventilated rooms. Symptoms were generally mild to moderate, although one patient in Kinshasa presented with coma. All admitted patients recovered.Discussion The symptoms are consistent with possible acute organophosphate exposure, but the absence of cholinesterase measurements limits confirmation. Unsafe application practices, limited risk awareness, and unrestricted product availability may contribute to exposure.Conclusion This case series highlights the need to reduce household exposure, improve risk communication and poisoning surveillance, and strengthen regulatory oversight.