Amaravati, February 23 – Four deaths have been reported in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, over the past two days, allegedly due to acute inability to urinate (anuria), which is suspected to be linked to milk adulteration.
Two of those receiving treatment in hospitals died since Sunday night. They were identified as S. Seshagiri Rao (72) and Radha Krishnamurthy (74).
The condition of three others who fell ill is critical.
Two deaths were reported earlier. All the victims are from the Laala Cheruvu and Chowdeswari Nagar areas of Rajahmundry city in East Godavari district.
At least 14 people were admitted to various hospitals with symptoms of anuria since February 15. This includes four members of the same family.
As the milk vendor for all the affected families is the same, health authorities suspect that milk adulteration caused the anuria.
Most of the victims are over 60 years old. A three-year-old child and a five-month-old infant are also among those who have fallen ill.
The affected families complained to the police that the milk and curd supplied by the vendor on Maha Shivratri (February 15) tasted bitter. The milk vendor, Ganesh, has been detained for questioning.
East Godavari District Collector Kirthi Chekuri said that the exact cause of death will be known after the post-mortem examination.
Special teams from the Medical and Health Department have been deployed to expedite the medical investigation into the cases.
Health and Family Welfare Commissioner G. Veerapandian said that the department is on alert following the suspected anuria cases. He said that the department is collecting milk and water samples, as well as other materials, from the affected areas.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation at a high-level meeting on Monday.
He spoke to the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, Medical and Health Department officials, and Food Safety officials.
The officials explained to the Chief Minister the medical assistance currently being provided to the victims.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directed that better medical assistance be provided to the victims who are receiving treatment.
The officials informed him that the same vendor is distributing milk to 106 houses in the affected areas.
Samples have been collected from 75 families who consumed the milk, and samples are also being collected from others. All samples have been sent to the lab for testing.
Officials said that they have set up medical camps and rapid test medical camps at the field level.
The Chief Minister ordered strict action against the vendor after receiving the report of lab tests of milk samples.
He also directed senior officials of the Food Safety and Medical Health Department to immediately rush to Rajahmundry.