Dettol maker urges people not to inject disinfectants after Trump remarks

​"Under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route)," the company said.

President Trump said researchers should try to apply their findings to coronavirus patients by inserting light or disinfectant into their bodies.

“Is there a way we can do something like that by injection, inside, or almost a cleaning?” he said.

“It would be interesting to check that.”

Reckitt said due to recent speculation and social media activity, it had been asked whether internal usage of disinfectants may be appropriate for investigation or use as a treatment for coronavirus.

"As with all products, our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines. Please read the label and safety information," the firm advised customers.

"We have a responsibility in providing consumers with access to accurate, up-to-date information as advised by leading public health experts. For this and other myth-busting facts, please visit Covid-19facts.com."

Doctors and health experts have urged people not to drink or inject disinfectant after President Trump's comments.

Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, said: “This is one of the most dangerous and idiotic suggestions made so far in how one might actually treat C​ovid-19.​"​

He said injecting disinfectants would be likely to kill anyone who tried it.

“It is hugely irresponsible because, sadly, there are people around the world who might believe this sort of nonsense and try it out for themselves,” he told Reuters.

The consumer healthcare giant, which employs 1,200 employees at its Hull operations, has said the coronavirus outbreak has helped to drive greater demand for its Dettol and Lysol hygiene products.

The company said it is also working alongside public health authorities across the world in a bid to provide people in areas affected by the virus with more information about the necessary hygiene measures.