WHO issues cough syrup warning after 66 children die in The Gambia

The WHO has given a warning over four cough syrups manufactured by India's Maiden Pharmaceuticals, the media reports stated. According to the caution, the United Nations health agency considers that the cough and cold syrups may be allegedly accountable for the death of 66 children recorded in The Gambia.

WHO warnings also said that infected drugs might have been shipped to the West African nation, where the outbreak was first discovered, the reports said.

The WHO issued safety alerts on four medications, allegedly manufactured in India, on Wednesday, the reports added. These medicines include a Baby Cough Syrup called Kofexmalin, an Oral Syrup called Promethazine, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup, it said.

What are the side effects of cough syrups?

Thursday was also the first-day Gambian officials went door to door in the West Coast and Upper River Regions to collect promethazine syrup and paracetamol from residents' homes.

The bacteria known as E.coli has been singled out as a possible contributor to the recent surge in cases of acute renal failure reported in The Gambia.

On September 23, the authorities in charge of public health recalled all items that included promethazine syrup and paracetamol.

FAQs

Where is The Gambia located?
It is a nation in West Africa.


WHO has issued safety alerts for how many medications in The Gambia?
WHO has issued safety alerts on four medications.