Overview

• Government teams tested cough syrups collected in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and reported no Diethylene Glycol or Ethylene Glycol in the samples.
• At least nine children have died in Chhindwara, with two reported in Rajasthan, prompting batch freezes, local bans on Coldrif and Nextro/Nesto-DS, and trace-and-freeze actions.
• The Health Ministry said one clinical sample tested positive for leptospirosis, and laboratories are analysing water, respiratory specimens, and entomological vectors.
• A multi-agency probe involving NCDC, NIV, CDSCO, ICMR, AIIMS Nagpur, and state authorities is continuing with final causality yet to be established.
• The DGHS issued an advisory urging rational paediatric use of cough syrups, warning against use in children under 2 years and cautioning use below age 5.