Authorities in Brazil are investigating the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy who reportedly injected himself with a mixture made from a dead butterfly—raising concerns that the incident may be linked to a dangerous social media trend.
Davi Nunes Moreira fell gravely ill after dissolving butterfly remains in water and injecting the liquid into his leg, according to reports. The teen initially told his father he had injured himself while playing, but later admitted to what he had done as his condition worsened.
He began vomiting and developed difficulty walking before being hospitalized in Planalto. His father later discovered the syringe hidden under the boy’s pillow. As his health deteriorated, Davi was transferred to a hospital in Vitoria da Conquista, one of the largest cities in Bahia. Despite medical efforts, he died on Wednesday.
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Investigation Underway
Officials suspect that toxins from the butterfly mixture may have triggered a severe reaction, leading to septic shock and organ failure. However, authorities are awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death.
Police have not ruled out the possibility that Davi was participating in a viral internet challenge. “The results of the autopsy will help us clarify the circumstances of his death,” said a spokesperson for the Civil Police in Vitoria da Conquista.
Butterfly Toxicity Still Not Well Understood
Experts say there is little scientific research on the potential toxicity of butterfly fluids in humans. Marcelo Duarte, a specialist in butterflies and director of São Paulo University’s Zoology Museum, explained that while certain butterflies, such as Monarchs, store toxins from the plants they consume as caterpillars, there is still much unknown about how their body fluids interact with humans.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific species of butterfly involved in the incident. The case remains under investigation .
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