Argentina faces tainted fentanyl deaths crisis

A batch of medical-use fentanyl tainted with bacteria caused dozens of hospital infections and up to 96 deaths in Argentina.

Argentina faces tainted fentanyl deaths crisis

Argentina reports up to 96 deaths linked to medical use fentanyl tainted with bacteria. The official toll stands at 87 with nine more deaths under investigation. The outbreak began in May when dozens of hospital patients treated for pain or anesthesia developed serious infections. Investigators found the bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Ralstonia pickettii in patients and in ampoules from two fentanyl batches produced by Laboratorio Ramallo.

Anmat, Argentina's drug regulator, confirmed contamination in the deceased and in ampoules from two batches, one of which had been widely circulated. The ampoules were recalled and authorities say the contamination may have affected more than 300,000 ampoules distributed across Buenos Aires province, Santa Fe, Córdoba, Formosa and Buenos Aires city; an estimated 45,000 had been administered before withdrawal. Ariel García Furfaro, owner of HLB Pharma, denies direct attribution and suggests contamination could have been planted. Twenty-four people tied to manufacture and sale are suspects; they are banned from leaving the country and have assets frozen as probes proceed across regions.

The case exposes gaps in drug safety oversight and supply chain controls. It tests Argentina’s health system as hospitals, regulators and prosecutors juggle medical care with criminal investigations. It also highlights how quickly a single supplier can affect thousands of patients and strain public trust.

The political and regulatory dimensions may unfold as investigators map responsibility and possible policy changes. The public awaits accountability, and the episode could reshape how medicines are sourced, inspected, and recalled across the country.

Highlights

The next steps will test Argentina’s resolve to protect patients and rebuild trust.