The Dead Mosquitoes Summary and Analysis

Eight-year-old Billy Cordoba was referred to pediatrician Dr. Conrad in Fresno, California, for an unknown but serious illness. Upon admission to the hospital, numerous tests were run to isolate the cause of his severe symptoms - rapid heartbeat and breathing, diarrhea, nausea, and muscle twitches. As well, he appeared delirious and dangerously close to lapsing into a coma. Everything was eliminated except some form of insecticide poisoning, and the race was on to find the culprit. Though the specific organic-phosphate insecticide was not found, Billy improved with atropine injections and returned home healthy. One week later, Billy's symptoms re-appeared , and he was again admitted to the hospital in a more severe condition than before. At this point, Dr. Conrad wanted the family car and Billy's clothing tested by the Health Department. The test involved placing Billy's jeans...