Vaccine mix up kills 15 children in Syria

Medics carrying out a vaccination programme in rebel-held northern Syria accidentally administered a muscle relaxant to about 75 children, killing 15 of them.

Preliminary investigation by the National Coalition found out that atracurium was given to the children instead of a solution used to mix measles vaccines.

The packaging for the drug is said to be similar to that of the solution. All the children who died were between six and 18 months old.

Their parents initially accused the opposition health authorities of not storing the vaccines properly or using out-of-date medication.

The three-year-old conflict in Syria and the resultant breakdown in state institutions are causing the spread of diseases such as measles and polio.

The immunization programme has been suspended for investigations to continue.

BBC