Rajasthan: The government’s disease surveillance agency, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has launched an investigation into child deaths allegedly caused by contaminated cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Officials confirmed that NCDC teams have collected water and entomological drug samples from hospitals and affected areas to rule out the possibility of infectious diseases.

State drug authorities are also testing the suspected cough syrup batches, with results awaited. Six children died in Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, from kidney failure after reportedly consuming the syrup. Rajasthan reported one similar death in Sikar district.

In response, the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL) banned 19 batches of the syrup and issued advisories to parents, doctors, and pharmacies to remain cautious.

Authorities said once laboratory reports are available, the findings will be shared with state drug departments for further action.

The NCDC’s probe follows rising concerns after multiple child deaths in central India were linked to toxic cough syrup. In Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, six children died over the past weeks after suffering kidney failure. Local health officials noted that the children developed fever and cold before experiencing serious urinary complications. Rajasthan’s Sikar district also reported one child death under similar circumstances.

Diethylene glycol (DEG), a chemical solvent often misused in medicines and known for its toxicity, is suspected to have contaminated the cough syrup consumed by the children. DEG poisoning has previously been linked to mass child fatalities in India and abroad.

While awaiting toxicology results, authorities have banned the sale of the identified syrup batches. The RMSCL confirmed that 19 batches were immediately withdrawn from circulation. State health departments have also directed healthcare providers to report any unusual child illness linked to cough syrups.

The investigation is ongoing, and central agencies have assured strict action if contamination is confirmed.
(With agency inputs)