Tragic Rise in Deaths Linked to Adulterated Milk in Andhra Pradesh

Increasing Death Toll from Contaminated Milk

The number of fatalities resulting from the consumption of allegedly tainted milk in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, has tragically risen to 16, as reported on Sunday.

According to laboratory analyses, the victims succumbed to multi-organ failure, primarily due to acute renal failure caused by milk contaminated with ethylene glycol, as stated in a government press release.

Currently, three individuals remain hospitalized in the town.

In mid-February, numerous people were admitted to hospitals after experiencing severe health issues, including vomiting, abdominal pain, anuria, and acute renal dysfunction, following the consumption of the adulterated milk from Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopanagar.

By February 24, four individuals had already died, with many others receiving treatment, some in critical condition.

Residents reported that symptoms of renal failure began manifesting a day after the Maha Shivratri festival, which occurred on February 15.

District Collector Kirthi Chekuri informed that all affected individuals had consumed milk from the same vendor, who is now in custody.

This milk was sourced from over 40 dairy farmers and distributed to more than 100 families, all of whom reside in the same localities.

On February 23, samples were collected from 75 families, as announced by the chief minister’s office. Forensic tests have been conducted on both the milk and the fodder provided to the cattle.