Amaravati, February 23: Four individuals have died in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, after consuming adulterated milk over the past two days. Several others are hospitalized, suffering from anuria, a condition characterized by the absence of urine production.
Reports indicate that two patients succumbed to their ailments on Sunday night. They have been identified as S. Sheshagiri Rao (72) and Radha Krishnamurthy (74). Meanwhile, three others are in critical condition. Earlier, two other victims had already passed away. All affected individuals reside in the Lalacheruvu and Choudeshwari Nagar areas of Rajahmundry in East Godavari district.
Local authorities have confirmed that since February 15, at least 14 people exhibiting symptoms of anuria have been admitted to various hospitals. This group includes four members from the same family. Health department officials suspect that the common source of milk sold to these families may be responsible for the adulteration. Most of the victims are elderly, with a three-year-old child and a five-month-old infant also among the affected.
Families impacted by this incident reported to the police that the milk and yogurt provided by the vendor on Mahashivaratri (February 15) had a bitter taste. The police have detained the vendor, Ganesh, for questioning.
East Godavari District Collector Keerthi Chekuri stated that the exact cause of death will be determined following post-mortem examinations. Special teams from the medical and health departments have been deployed to expedite the investigation.
Health and Family Welfare Commissioner G. Veerapandian noted that the department is on high alert following the suspected anuria cases. Samples of milk and water from the affected areas are being collected for analysis. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a high-level meeting on Monday to assess the situation. He instructed district collectors, SPs, and health department officials to ensure better treatment for the victims.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that one vendor had distributed milk to 106 households in the affected areas. Samples have been collected from 75 families who consumed the milk, with additional samples being gathered. All samples have been sent to the lab for testing. Medical camps, including rapid testing facilities, have been established in the affected region. Following the lab results, the Chief Minister has ordered strict action against the vendor and directed senior officials from the food safety and medical health departments to proceed to Rajahmundry immediately.
– Omprakash/AS
Leave a Comment