Ramirez was taking dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for pain, a home remedy that is a gel-like solvent.
What happened next was a massive investigation to find the "toxic" substance. Initial theories ranged from infectious disease to chemical weapons, but all tests on the surrounding air and hospital equipment were negative.
On the evening of February 19, 1994, at the Riverside General Hospital in California, 31-year-old Gloria Ramirez was rushed into the emergency room. She was suffering from severe complications related to late-stage cervical cancer. She was confused, having trouble breathing, and her heart was beating very rapidly.
The situation was so severe that the hospital staff ordered an immediate evacuation of the emergency room. A small team remained behind to treat Gloria, while the rest of the ER was cleared. Gloria Ramirez unfortunately passed away shortly after.
The mystery centered on her blood, which contained unusual particles.
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