Context: It has been well known since ancient times that the consumption of quail may be deleterious to health. The European quail sub-species (Coturnix coturnix coturnix), common to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia is indeed potentially poisonous to humans, but only during the autumn migration (not during their return flight in spring). Quail poisoning is an acute dietary-toxicological syndrome.
Issue: In this case report, we describe a rare, non-fatal case of quail poisoning in a 12-year-old boy. The victim was admitted to hospital 5 hours after the consumption of quail because of the signs and symptoms, as well as laboratory findings (elevation of serum muscle enzymes, myoglobinuria) significant of acute rhabdomyolysis. He was treated symptomatically with bed rest, forced continuous diuresis, urine alkalization, and maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance. The victim recovered completely without sequelae after 8 days hospitalization.
Lessons: The aetiology of this syndrome is still unclear. It has been suggested that a toxic effect or a genetic sensitivity plays a major role. Many cases of quail poisoning in adults have been reported previously on the island of Lesbos during autumn. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in a child.