Earlier this week, an Arizona man died and his wife was hospitalized in critical condition after attempting to self-medicate for COVID-19. The couple, afraid of contracting the disease, ingested chloroquine phosphate, an additive commonly used to clean fish tanks. The chemical is toxic to humans, and led to the man’s death and his wife’s hospitalization.
In recent weeks, chloroquine, a drug used to treat malaria and some other diseases, has been identified as a possible treatment for those infected with COVID-19; however, that drug has not been approved as a treatment by the FDA. Medicinal chloroquine and the pet store chloroquine phosphate, though they share similar compounds, are not the same product.
If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your primary healthcare provider or Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County at 307-522-8523. In any case, DO NOT attempt to treat your symptoms by taking products that are not intended for human consumption. Always seek professional assistance if you believe you have been infected with COVID-19.
More information on COVID-19 can be found at Sweetwater311.org.