Nine children die after consuming "deadly" cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara

A wave of tragedy has struck Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh, where nine children have died of kidney failure within a span of just over two weeks.

What initially seemed like routine seasonal fevers has escalated into a public health crisis, with health officials suspecting contaminated cough syrups as the cause.

A similar case was reported in Rajasthan’s Sikar, where a child also succumbed to kidney failure.

According to Shubham Yadav, the Sub-divisional Magistrate of Parasia, nine children had died in Chhindwara as of late Thursday night. By October 1, six deaths had already been recorded, prompting officials to implement urgent preventive measures. In response, the distribution of dextromethorphan hydrobromide cough syrups has been halted across Madhya Pradesh, and batches are undergoing rigorous testing.

Health officials are closely monitoring 1,420 children exhibiting symptoms of cold, fever, or flu-like illnesses. A strict protocol has been established: children unwell for over two days are monitored for six hours at the Civil Hospital. If their condition deteriorates, they are transferred to the District Hospital. Once stabilised, they are discharged but remain under the supervision of ASHA workers.

Investigations have ruled out water contamination and mosquito-related diseases, with tests from the National Institute of Virology returning normal results. Water samples sent to CSIR are still under analysis. Notably, at least five of the deceased children had consumed Coldref syrup, and one had taken Nextro syrup.

Private doctors in the region have been directed to refrain from treating viral cases independently and to refer such patients to the Civil Hospital immediately. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has collected water and drug samples from hospitals and other locations in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to investigate potential infectious causes. Results will be shared with state drug authorities once available.

In Rajasthan, the Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL) has banned 19 batches of the suspect syrup and issued advisories urging parents, doctors, and medical facilities to remain vigilant.