The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that a batch of tainted cough syrup discovered in Cameroon may have traveled to other nations, including Nigeria.
The global health body in a statement issued late Wednesday, said samples of the syrup, "Naturcold", were made available to it on June 27, after which it was analysed in a contracted and prequalified laboratory.
It said analysis found that the product contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol as contaminants.
Diethylene glycol is a colourless, odourless, clear liquid with a sweet taste, used as a cheaper alternative to glycerin in cough syrups.
WHO said while the acceptable limit for diethylene glycol was no more than 0.10 per cent, as much as 28.6 per cent of it was detected in samples of the product.
The statement read: "The stated manufacturer of the affected product is listed on the product packaging as Fraken International (England).
"The United Kingdom national regulatory authority, the MHRA, has confirmed that no such company exists in the UK.
"Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.
"Enquires are still underway to determine the origin of the product. Therefore, the stated manufacturer has not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products.
"The product referenced in this Alert may have marketing authorizations in other countries or regions. It may also have been distributed through informal markets to neighboring countries.
"Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.
"If you have the affected product, WHO recommends that you do not use it.
"If you, or someone you know, has or may have used the affected product, or suffered an adverse reaction or unexpected side-effect after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a healthcare professional.
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