Fatalities Emerge
In a deeply concerning development in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, four individuals have tragically passed away within a short span of two days. The primary
suspect behind these fatalities is acute anuria, a severe medical condition characterized by the complete inability to produce urine. Authorities are strongly investigating the possibility that consumption of adulterated milk supplied within the region is the root cause of this outbreak. The victims, identified as S. Seshagiri Rao, aged 72, and Radha Krishnamurthy, aged 74, are among those who succumbed to the ailment. At the time of reporting, three other individuals remain in critical condition, highlighting the severity of the health crisis. These tragic events add to earlier reported deaths, painting a grim picture of the public health emergency gripping the affected areas of East Godavari district, specifically Laala Cheruvu and Chowdeswari Nagar.
Widespread Impact
The crisis extends beyond the immediate fatalities, with at least 14 people hospitalized since February 15, all presenting with similar worrying symptoms. Alarmingly, the affected individuals are not confined to a single demographic; while most patients are over 60 years of age, the list also tragically includes a three-year-old child and a five-month-old infant. This broad age range underscores the pervasive nature of the contamination. Investigations have pinpointed a single milk vendor as the common link to nearly all affected families, supplying milk to approximately 106 households in the vicinity. Residents have come forward with disturbing accounts, reporting a distinctly bitter taste in the milk and curd delivered on Maha Shivratri, which fell on February 15. This critical observation has led to the detention of the vendor, identified as Ganesh, for thorough questioning and to aid the ongoing investigation.
Official Response & Investigation
Responding swiftly to the escalating situation, East Godavari District Collector Kirthi Chekuri emphasized that definitive confirmation of the cause of death will only be available after the completion of post-mortem examinations. In parallel, the Medical and Health Department has mobilized specialized teams to intensify the investigation into the matter. G. Veerapandian, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, confirmed that officials are diligently collecting samples of milk, water, and other potential sources of contamination from the affected localities. These samples are being dispatched for comprehensive laboratory testing to ascertain the exact nature of the adulteration and its toxicological impact. The gravity of the situation prompted Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to convene a high-level meeting on Monday to review the crisis and coordinate the response, engaging directly with the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and senior officials from the Medical, Health, and Food Safety departments.
Preventative Measures
During the high-level meeting, officials apprised the Chief Minister about the extensive reach of the vendor, confirming supply to 106 households. Urgent action is being taken to collect samples from the remaining families, with approximately 75 samples already secured and sent for analysis. The Chief Minister has directed that all necessary medical care be provided to those undergoing treatment, emphasizing the best possible support for recovery. Furthermore, he has ordered strict punitive action against the vendor once laboratory results conclusively identify the adulterant. To ensure immediate on-ground support and monitoring, the Chief Minister also instructed senior Food Safety and Health Department officials to travel to Rajahmundry immediately to personally oversee the investigation's progress and implement stringent public health measures. The establishment of medical camps and rapid response health teams is actively providing residents with essential monitoring and assistance.
