Dairy Deaths: Poisoned Milk Suspected

Health officials in Rajamahendravaram are awaiting laboratory results, expected between Wednesday and Saturday, concerning the deaths of four people exhibiting anuria symptoms. These results will clarify the cause of the dairy product contamination. Samples of curd, ghee, and paneer were sent for testing.

Initial investigations suggest ethylene glycol, a coolant used in milk chilling, may be responsible. Unlike urea, ethylene glycol is believed to cause rapid health deterioration, with effects appearing within three to four days of consumption. Medical experts await conclusive lab reports to confirm this.

As of Tuesday, four deaths have been attributed to the adulterated milk, with 15 individuals hospitalized. Three patients require ventilator support, two are on dialysis, and three are on both. The condition of seven patients remains critical, including infants and children.

Medicines are being procured from Chennai and Mumbai to aid patient recovery. Given that milk was distributed on February 16, more individuals may fall ill. Medical teams are stationed in the area to monitor the situation, which is ongoing.

A statewide inspection of milk traders and manufacturers will commence on February 25, following this incident. This initiative aims to prevent further occurrences of adulteration across the state.