Rajamahendravaram (Andhra Pradesh): The death toll in the suspected milk adulteration case in East Godavari district has risen to 16, while three people are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals in Rajamahendravaramofficials said Sunday.
The event dates back to mid-February when it was faked milk supplied to parts of Lalacheruvu allegedly caused serious health complications among consumers, including vomiting, abdominal pain, anuria and acute kidney failure, leading to multiple hospitalizations.
The case came to light on February 22 after a cluster of patients with symptoms of acute kidney failure were reported from Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopanagar areas, prompting health authorities to launch an epidemiological investigation.
Laboratory findings show that the 16 victims died of multi-organ failure caused by acute kidney failure after consuming milk contaminated with the toxic substance ethylene glycol, according to an official press release issued on Sunday.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the victims suffered acute kidney failure with high levels of blood urea and serum creatinine, suggesting toxic exposure likely related to consumption of contaminated milk,” the release said.
Milk supplied to over 100 families by a dairy unit in Narasapuram village under Korukonda mandal was identified as the suspected source, following which the supply from the unit was immediately stopped, he said.
From February 16 to March 21, a total of 20 people were admitted to different hospitals, of which 16 died, while three are under treatment and one has been discharged from the hospital after recovery.
Authorities said patients included the elderly and children, with some requiring dialysis and ventilator support, while emergency medical camps and surveillance measures were set up in affected areas.
Rapid Response Teams, consisting of medical specialists, epidemiologists and surveillance officers, were established to monitor the situation, conduct field visits and ensure early identification of symptomatic cases.
House-to-house surveys were conducted covering over 300 individuals in affected households, with blood samples collected and tested, officials said, adding that most results came back normal.
The Food Safety Department inspected the suspected milk unit and collected samples of milk, curd, ghee, paneer, water and other materials, which were sent to various laboratories for microbial and chemical analysis.
Based on a complaint filed by the deceased woman’s son, Tadi Seetharamaiah, the police registered a case on February 22 under section 194 (relating to unnatural deaths) of the BNSS.
The police arrested the suspected milk seller, while forensic teams examined the premises and collected evidence.
Meanwhile, teams from the Livestock Department collected additional samples of milk, cattle feed and water for toxicology analysis to determine any external contamination factors.
Senior health officials and specialist doctors from Hyderabad have been tasked to monitor treatment protocols and coordinate patient care across hospitals.
Authorities said the situation is currently under control and further action will be taken based on detailed laboratory findings and the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
