WHO issues alert on deadly cough syrup found in Cameroon

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert after a batch of cough and cold syrup sold in Cameroon under the brand name Naturcold was found to contain extremely high levels of a toxic ingredient.

This alarming revelation marks the latest in a series of warnings about contaminated cough syrups in the market.

According to the WHO, the origin of the drug is yet to be determined although the packaging label on the syrup indicated that it was manufactured by a company called Fraken International (England).

The UK health regulator said no such company exists in the country, therefore raising concerns about the authenticity of the product’s origin, according to Reuters.

Health authorities in Cameroon say they are cooperating with the WHO on further inquiries to determine the source of the dangerous syrup, which may also be available for sale in other countries besides Cameroon.

Nigeria may be at risk if the drug is taken or sold across the border.

– Why this matters

According to WHO, the toxic contaminant found in the Naturcold syrup is diethylene glycol.

Investigations indicate the questionable batch of the syrup contains up to 28.6% concentration of the harmful substance making it several thousand times higher than the acceptable limit of 0.1% according to WHO standards.

Experts have raised concerns that unscrupulous actors in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry sometimes substitute propylene glycol, an ingredient used in these syrups, with cheaper yet toxic alternatives like ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol.

Consumption of cough syrup contaminated with diethylene glycol can lead to severe health issues, including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, altered mental states, and acute kidney injury, among other symptoms and complications can eventually be fatal.

– Previous threats

The threat posed by contaminated cough syrups is not new.

In 2022, tragic incidents occurred in Gambia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan, where over 300 children, mostly under the age of five, died due to acute kidney injury linked to similar products from different manufacturers. The WHO has emphasized that this risk is ongoing and demands immediate attention.

The recent alert in Cameroon followed a health regulator’s investigation into the deaths of six children linked to Naturcold in April. The WHO has been providing support to the local authorities in their efforts to address the issue.