• Source:JND
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The Union Health Ministry on Friday conveyed the results of the laboratory tests done for cough syrup samples collected from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The ministry denied the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG), the toxic contaminants that can lead to severe kidney damage. 

The clarification follows reports of multiple child deaths, nine in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district over a span of 15 days, and two in Rajasthan. The health officials initially suspected contaminated cough syrup as the cause. The victims, most of whom initially showed symptoms of cold and fever, later developed kidney failure.

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As per the ministry, a joint team consisting of representatives from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), visited the sites and collected samples.

“Various samples were collected in coordination with the State Authorities including samples of various cough syrups. As per the test results, none of the samples contained Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG), contaminants that are known to cause serious kidney injury. The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) also tested three samples and confirmed absence of DEG/EG. Further blood/CSF samples have been tested by NIV Pune for common pathogens. One case has been found positive for Leptospirosis,” the Health Ministry said in a statement.

“Blood/CSF samples have been tested by NIV Pune for common pathogens. One case has been found positive for Leptospirosis". In addition, “samples of water, entomological vectors, and respiratory specimens are under further investigation by NEERI, NIV Pune, and other laboratories,” the Ministry stated.

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On the death of two children in Rajasthan, the Health Ministry clarified that the cough syrup in the concerned cases did not contain propylene glycol, which can sometimes be a source of DEG/EG contamination.

“Additionally, the product under reference is a dextromethorphan-based formulation, which is not recommended for paediatric use," the statement mentioned.