The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) began requiring the reporting of overdoses from Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug commonly used in pets and livestock. While Ivermectin does exist as medicine for humans, online misinformation is touting it as a treatment for COVID-19. Ivermectin is not approved for the treatment of COVID-19 and health experts are warning people to stay away from the drug.

Despite warnings, people across the country are self-medicating with Ivermectin, sometimes with fatal results. At least two people in New Mexico have died of an Ivermectin overdose, according to reporting from KOB’s Griffin Rushton.

No additional information was given on the two people who died from Ivermectin toxicity, except that Rushton was told by NMDOH officials one of the patients was facing a severe struggle with COVID-19.

Earlier this month, US Representative Yvette Herrell suggested Ivermectin as an alternative to COVID-19 vaccination. Herrell is a business woman and does not have any medical experience. “It’s a blessing we have so many options. I’m all for the ‘all of above’ approach,” Herrell said.

Herrell is the only Republican representing New Mexico in Congress. She serves in Congressional District 2 which includes all of southern New Mexico. Though New Mexico has recently passed 70% of its 18+ population being fully vaccinated, much of Herrell’s district still lags far behind. Lea County is currently at 33.6% of adults fully vaccinated.

Vaccinations have been on the rise throughout the country, likely due in large part to concerns from the rising number of COVID-19 cases and new variants. The Biden administration, local governments and private businesses have also been encouraging vaccination through a mix of incentives and mandates. Those efforts have paid off, but there is still a long way to go toward reaching a point where enough people are vaccinated that COVID-19 is no longer a threat.

Despite millions of Americans being vaccinated without negative side effects, many are still reluctant to be vaccinated. There are several reasons among the anti-vax crowd, but one of the biggest reasons is political with polls showing that Republicans are far less likely to be vaccinated. Conspiracy theories and misinformation also play a large role in people’s decision about the vaccines.

Ironically, many who are distrustful of a vaccine proven to be effective are now turning toward unapproved and dangerous self-medication. “Don’t take something that has no data to prevent a disease where we have effective preventative therapies for this disease,” Susan Smolinske said in a TV interview. Smolinske is the director of the NM Drug & Information Center. “We have vaccines we have masks, we have social distancing. We know those things work.”

Ivermectin is most commonly used as a livestock dewormer, particularly for horses. It is only rarely used to treat parasitic conditions in humans. COVID-19 is not a parasite.

Even with the clear science on the issue and health experts in agreement about the dangers of Ivermectin, misinformation continues to spread, particularly online. Much of the misinformation is couched in virtues of freedom and self-determination. However, this misinformation is leading people to make dangerous and life-threatening decisions.

“Poison control says there has been 20 exposures to the drug this year alone, already double the amount we usually see,” said Rushton in his on-air report for KOB4. The two deaths in New Mexico may not be the last as misinformation continues to spread, but health experts and public officials are working to combat the misinformation around Ivermectin.

NMDOH released statements about the dangers of Ivermectin in a recent update (PDF) on COVID-19 in the state. “The NM Medical Advisory Team does not recommend Ivermectin therapy in patients with COVID-19 infection outside of clinical trials until more data is available,” the document from NMDOH reads. They also include the number to Poison Control. “Call New Mexico Poison & Drug Information Center if you or someone you know has taken Ivermectin: 1-800-222-1222.”

Currently vaccination is still the highest priority for fighting COVID-19. Fully vaccinated individuals who are infected are far less likely to experience severe symptoms. Hospitals around the country are still overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases, the majority of which are unvaccinated.

Fortunately, COVID-19 cases and infection rates are now on the decline. However, community transmission is still very high and new variants are an ongoing threat.