Epidemic Hazard - Diarrhoea

Local media have been recently reporting about at least seven children that have died in the past few weeks from a "suspected unclear kidney infection" in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh (India). Based on the limited information available, the cases have caused significant concern among the affected community despite authorities intensifying medical efforts and investigating the possible cause. An RFI has been sent to EpiCore members in India to support the collection of further information about this event from reliable sources. The EpiCore network has confirmed the occurrence of the event and provided additional details extracted from media reports directly quoting the local authorities. Based on the feedback collected, a representative from the district authorities has informed this week that the deaths have been linked to the use of cough syrup allegedly tainted with diethylene glycol (DEG), an industrial chemical which presence was confirmed trough kidney biopsies conducted on the deceased. The official number of deaths associated to this event seems to be far 6, however some media already report more (9), with the first occurred on September 7 in a child from Parasia village initially presenting only fever and cold (onset Aug 24) but rapidly developing vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty in urination. The network has informed that the district administration has banned the sale of two cough syrups suspected to be contaminated with DEG and issued urgent advisories for medical staff, pharmacies and the community. Despite this information, the contamination of the products seems to be still under confirmation as a team from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is further investigating. The RFI has been supported by the network with relevant details reported to media by representatives from the local administration in charge of the ongoing investigation. MEDIA QUOTING LOCAL AUTHORITIES (examplea): - https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cough-syrup-row-two-states-different-action-after-childrens-deaths-9394003 (Oct 4, 2025) - https://www.newsonair.gov.in/centre-issues-an-advisory-states-on-use-of-cough-syrups-for-children/ (Oct 3, 2025) - https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/madhya-pradesh-children-die-contaminated-cough-syrup-fjv33z0b (Oct 1, 2025)