In a shocking public health crisis unfolding in Andhra Pradesh’s Rajamundry, 15 individuals remain hospitalized due to severe poisoning from adulterated milk. Five fatalities have already been reported, including a six-year-old child and three elderly victims over 70. Officials confirmed on Thursday that the situation is now under control, but intensive treatments continue across six facilities.
The ordeal began on February 16 when the first patient was admitted with acute symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, and kidney failure. By February 24, 20 people had sought medical help. Blood tests revealed dangerously high levels of urea and serum creatinine, pointing to toxic exposure. Initial probes zeroed in on milk consumption as the culprit.
Authorities traced the tainted supply to Varalakshmi Milk Dairy in Narsapuram village, Korukonda mandal, which served 106 households. Distribution was halted immediately. Comprehensive door-to-door surveys covered 110 families and screened 307 residents. Nine medical teams and 14 field surveillance units sprang into action, collecting 315 blood samples and additional urine specimens.
One patient clings to life on a ventilator, six require dialysis, and eight need both. Senior officials, including the Health Commissioner and Food Safety Director, oversee monitoring. Samples from milk, paneer, ghee, water, and animal feed have been rushed to labs like IIT Tirupati, JNTU Kakinada, and VMTA Hyderabad for toxicological analysis.
Police have detained Adalla Ganeshwar Rao, a 33-year-old local milk vendor, following a complaint from a victim’s son. Veterinary teams examined 41 milk samples and feed sources, sending them to VBRI Vijayawada. As forensic and epidemiological investigations deepen, the state vows stringent action against those responsible, underscoring the perils of food adulteration in rural supply chains.