Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district has been shaken by the deaths of nine children in just over two weeks, all linked to kidney failure. What first appeared to be seasonal fever cases has now raised alarm over the possible role of contaminated cough syrups.
Health officials confirmed that nine deaths have occurred so far, with six reported by October 1. A similar case was also reported recently from Sikar in Rajasthan.
Parasia Sub-divisional magistrate Shubham Yadav said precautionary measures are being implemented. Among the deceased, at least five children had a history of consuming Coldref syrup, and one had taken Nextro syrup.
Authorities have initiated urgent testing of dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup batches, and a statewide halt in their distribution has been announced. The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL) has banned 19 batches of the syrup, while advisories have been issued to doctors, parents, and medical operators to remain vigilant.
Monitoring and Preventive Measures
A long list of 1,420 children showing cold, fever, and flu-like symptoms is under close surveillance. Any child ill for more than two days is placed under six hours of monitoring at the Civil Hospital. If the condition deteriorates, they are referred to the District Hospital; once stable, ASHA workers continue follow-up at home.
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Initial water and mosquito-related tests from victims have returned normal results, as has one viral sample sent to the National Institute of Virology. Water samples sent to CSIR are awaited.
Private doctors have been directed not to treat viral patients privately but to send them directly to government hospitals for monitoring.
Central Investigation Underway
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has collected water and entomological drug samples from hospitals and affected areas in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The results, once available, will be shared with state drug authorities to confirm whether the deaths are linked to infectious disease or contaminated medicine.
