Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district has been rocked by the deaths of nine children over the past two weeks due to kidney failure. What initially appeared as ordinary cases of seasonal fever or viral illness has now taken a deadly turn, with health authorities suspecting a link to contaminated cough syrups.
The Tragic Cases
Among the nine children who lost their lives, health officials confirmed that:
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At least five had consumed Coldref syrup.
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One child had taken Nextro syrup.
The affected children had reportedly been showing symptoms of cold, fever, and flu-like illness before their conditions deteriorated. Families initially thought these were routine illnesses common during the seasonal weather changes, but rapid progression to kidney failure alarmed doctors and authorities.
Officials in Rajasthan, where a similar death occurred in Sikar, are now also investigating possible syrup-related causes.
Health Monitoring Protocol
The Madhya Pradesh health department has instituted strict monitoring protocols for affected children. Currently, 1,420 children showing cold, fever, or flu-like symptoms are being closely observed.
The protocol is as follows:
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Children sick for more than two days are admitted under six-hour monitoring at the Civil Hospital.
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Worsening conditions result in immediate referral to the District Hospital.
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Once stabilized, children are sent home but ASHA workers continue to monitor their health closely.
These steps aim to detect early signs of kidney dysfunction and provide timely medical intervention to prevent further fatalities.
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Investigations into Causes
Authorities have conducted several initial tests to determine the cause of these sudden deaths:
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Water and mosquito-related tests returned normal results.
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A sample sent to the National Institute of Virology also tested negative for infectious agents.
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Additional water samples tested by CSIR are still awaited.
Given the widespread suspicion of contaminated cough syrups, all affected cases are being scrutinized for medication history.
“Among the nine children who died, at least five had a history of taking Coldref, and one had taken Nextro syrup,” officials confirmed.
Statewide Measures
The Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan governments have taken immediate precautionary measures:
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The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL) has banned the sale and use of 19 batches of suspect syrup.
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Private doctors have been instructed not to treat viral patients privately but to refer them directly to Civil Hospitals.
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Parents and medical operators have been advised to exercise extra caution when giving medication to children with fever or cold.
Additionally, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has collected water, drug, and entomological samples from hospitals and locations where multiple deaths occurred. These samples will be tested to rule out infectious disease and confirm whether contaminated syrups are responsible.
Symptoms and Progression
Children affected reportedly exhibited the following symptoms:
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Fever and cold
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Flu-like symptoms
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Rapid deterioration leading to kidney failure
Kidney failure in children can occur due to various causes, including infection, dehydration, toxins, or drug contamination. The rapid progression in these cases has raised alarms, prompting urgent syrup testing.
Syrup-Linked Health Concerns
Health officials have emphasized that dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup, which forms the base of both Coldref and Nextro, is safe when manufactured properly. However, contamination during production can cause severe organ damage, including kidney failure.
Authorities are particularly concerned about:
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Unregulated or substandard syrup batches.
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Improper storage or handling at medical shops and hospitals.
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Delayed detection of adverse reactions in children.
Government Response
The state drug authorities are coordinating with NCDC and CSIR laboratories to fast-track testing of syrup samples. Once results are out, the findings will determine further action, including:
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Possible recall of additional batches.
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Legal action against manufacturers if contamination is confirmed.
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Public advisories and awareness campaigns to prevent further cases.
Health officials have also emphasized early hospitalization for children with persistent fever, cold, or flu symptoms.
“Any child sick for more than two days should be admitted and closely monitored. Early detection can save lives,” a senior official stated.
Public Advisory
Parents and caregivers have been urged to:
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Avoid giving over-the-counter cough syrups without medical supervision.
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Monitor children closely for unusual symptoms like vomiting, swelling, or reduced urine output.
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Report immediately to nearby hospitals if symptoms persist beyond two days.
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Follow government advisories and avoid self-medication.
This advisory aims to reduce panic while ensuring children receive timely medical care.
Medical Community Alert
Private hospitals and clinics in Chhindwara and neighboring districts have been instructed to follow strict protocols for any viral or respiratory cases. Doctors are to prioritize referral to government facilities for affected children.
Medical professionals have also been trained to recognize early signs of kidney stress and manage children accordingly, preventing delays in treatment.
Looking Ahead
Authorities are now focusing on:
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Testing all Coldref and Nextro syrup batches across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
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Conducting post-mortem examinations of deceased children to confirm cause of death.
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Strengthening regulations for syrup production and quality checks.
The tragedy has also sparked discussions on enhancing drug safety laws and ensuring strict monitoring of pharmaceutical products for children.
Conclusion
The deaths of nine children in Madhya Pradesh due to suspected cough syrup contamination have highlighted serious gaps in drug safety and monitoring. The swift response by state authorities, NCDC, and CSIR aims to prevent further fatalities.
Parents are urged to remain vigilant, while authorities continue rigorous testing and monitoring of affected children. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of drug quality assurance and timely medical intervention.