A series of deaths among patients who received so-called "vitamin drip" treatments at a clinic in northern Mexico has prompted investigations by local health authorities and prosecutors. The incident has sparked safety concerns as the procedure is similar to treatments widely used in Korea for fatigue recovery and immune system enhancement.
According to local media outlets including El Universal and El País, as well as health authorities, multiple deaths occurred among patients who received vitamin infusions at a private clinic in Hermosillo, Sonora state, on January 6 local time. A total of nine victims have been identified so far, with six deaths confirmed, one patient in critical condition, and two discharged after treatment.
The procedure in question is an intravenous therapy known as "vitamin drip." The treatment involves injecting a mixture of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream and has been offered at some medical facilities and clinics for purposes including fatigue recovery, detoxification, hangover relief, and jet lag adjustment.
Health authorities are focusing on the fact that all affected patients received infusions prescribed, mixed, and administered by the same physician. The clinic's 65-year-old doctor, Jesús Maximiano, is believed to have prepared and administered customized "cocktail infusions" tailored to each patient's condition rather than using pre-made products. The clinic has been shut down, and the doctor is under investigation for negligent homicide.
Infusion samples have been sent to Mexico City for detailed analysis by federal health authorities, and the exact cause of death has not yet been determined. However, sepsis from bacterial infection and multiple organ failure are being cited as likely possibilities.
According to family members, victims showed symptoms including dizziness, vomiting, and fainting after the treatment, with some experiencing severe bleeding and organ damage. Some patients reportedly exhibited symptoms similar to acute sepsis or severe allergic reactions.
In their initial investigation, health authorities are closely examining the possibilities of contaminated infusions, unsanitary preparation processes, and improper drug mixing. Experts noted that "intravenous vitamin therapy has limited medical necessity, and can cause serious side effects if not properly managed."
Following the incident, Mexico's health ministry shut down the clinic and initiated an emergency recall of related products. Authorities are also expanding inspections of other medical facilities offering similar treatments and have advised citizens to avoid procedures at unlicensed facilities. A nationwide safety inspection is underway as authorities trace the product distribution network.
The incident is seen as exposing structural problems in Mexico's rapidly expanding wellness treatment market. Vitamin infusion therapy has gained popular appeal, but concerns have persisted about insufficient scientific evidence and safety verification.
Experts emphasized that "regulatory blind spots are emerging as the boundaries between medical procedures and cosmetic treatments become blurred," adding that "this incident demonstrates the need for a comprehensive review of oversight and supervision systems."
Authorities continue to investigate whether there are additional victims and have not ruled out the possibility of more deaths. Criminal liability for the medical staff and facility operators is also being reviewed.