Antidiarrheal drug SOLD OUT in fear of Omicron subvariant XBB

Montmorillonite powder, an antidiarrheal drug, sold out in China and topped Weibo’s trending search list on the morning of New Year’s Day, after it was widely circulated on social media platforms that the contagious Omicron subvariant XBB causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Currently, several online pharmacies and e-commerce platforms have run out of Montmorillonite powder, while norfloxacin, Zhengchangsheng, or live bacillus licheniformis capsules, probiotics products and electrolyte drinks have also seen hot sales.

The mass buying came after a screenshot was spread on social media platforms, which said that “XBB1.5 strain has topped other variants in the US, and people should stock up on montmorillonite powder and norfloxacin,” according to an online snapshot seen by the Global Times over the weekend.

Some netizens expressed fears of XBB spreading after China announced on December 27 that it will scrap nucleic acid tests for international arrivals to the country from January 8, and those with normal health declarations will no longer undergo any special procedures.

ARTICLE FROM: Expat Link/Global Times