China Health & Science

Shenzhen Child Hospitalized with Alcohol Poisoning after Parents Used Isopropyl to Reduce Fever

On Weibo, the case has generated discussions in light of parents often using folk treatments or home remedies without knowing the dangers.

Published

3 years ago

April 1, 2023

Manya Koetse

A 4-year-old child in Shenzhen, Guangdong, was rushed to hospital after her parents used rubbing alcohol as a home remedy in hopes of reducing her fever.

The topic became top trending on Weibo on April 1, 2023 (#父母抹酒精退烧致4岁女儿住进ICU#) receiving nearly 300 million views on Saturday.

Because the little girl in question was recently suffering from a high fever, her parents put isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol with a concentration of 75% on her skin, believing…

Related Topics:china health Chinese society Weibo trending

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Manya Koetse

Manya Koetse is a sinologist, writer, and public speaker specializing in China’s social trends, digital culture, and online media ecosystems. She founded What’s on Weibo in 2013 and now runs the Eye on Digital China newsletter. Learn more at manyakoetse.com or follow her on X, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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Chapter Dive

Chinese Postdoc Death Raises Questions as Key Details Remain Missing

About a widely discussed “chilling effect”, the death of Chinese researcher Wang Danhao, and unanswered questions. (April 3 update included)

Published

5 months ago

April 1, 2026

Manya Koetse

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A Chinese postdoc’s reported suicide after questioning by US authorities became a top trending topic in China this week. Despite the widespread attention, key details remain unclear, highlighting broader concerns about the increasingly sensitive position of researchers across the US–China scientific landscape.

On March 27, news about…

Chapter Dive

The Fake Patients of Xiangyang: Hospital Scandal Shakes Welfare System Trust

Han Futao’s explosive report on fake patients and systemic abuse has triggered a heated online debate over hospital malpractices, the fragility of the welfare system, and the vital role of investigative reporting.

Published

6 months ago

February 15, 2026

Ruixin Zhang

In early February, as China settled into the quiet anticipation of the Chinese New Year, one of the country’s leading investigative journalists, Han Futao (韩福涛), dropped a bombshell report that sent shockwaves of anger across the country.

Han Futao is known for breaking massive scandals. In 2024, he exposed how tank trucks that delivered chemical products also transported cooking oil, without being cleaned. That food safety scandalsparked waves of outrage and prompted a…