At least four elderly persons died and more than 10 others were hospitalised after developing symptoms of acute kidney failure, suspected to be linked to the consumption of contaminated milk in parts of Rajamahendravaram in East Godavari district, in Andhra Pradesh, health officials informed on Monday.
The deceased have been identified as Bassetti Kanakadurga (76), Tadi Krishna Veni (85), N Seshagiri Rao (72) and Radha Krishnamurthy (74), all residents of Lalacheruvu Chowdeshwarinagar.
According to officials, 14 people from the same locality have fallen ill since February 15. Most of the affected persons, all aged above 60, are residents of Chowdeeswar Nagar, Swaroop Nagar, and Diwancheruvu areas near Lalacheruvu. Many were admitted to private hospitals after experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal bloating, and anuria, a condition marked by failure to pass urine and indicative of possible kidney failure.
Doctors treating the patients confirmed kidney damage through blood tests. At present, 12 patients remain under medical care, several in intensive care units, with at least four reported to be in critical condition.
Health authorities launched house-to-house surveys in Lalacheruvu and surrounding areas after multiple cases surfaced within a short period. Preliminary inquiries revealed that affected families had consumed cow milk. Several residents reported that the milk and curd tasted unusually bitter, and symptoms began appearing among the elderly within 24 to 48 hours.
The incident came to light after a private hospital alerted the district administration about multiple elderly patients admitted with anuria. Four patients were initially admitted to KIMS Hospital, prompting authorities to initiate a broader investigation.
District Medical and Health Officer K Venkateswara Rao said preliminary findings indicated acute renal failure, rather than an infectious disease. Officials confirmed that postmortem would be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, and blood samples were being collected from those who consumed the milk.
Field-level investigations revealed that all affected individuals had consumed milk supplied by a trader from Korukonda mandal. He has been taken into police custody.
East Godavari District Collector K Keerthi Chekuri has ordered a comprehensive inquiry and constituted a Rapid Response Team to investigate the incident. Food, water, and stool samples have been collected and sent for laboratory and forensic analysis. The Food Safety Department has also been directed to inspect the milk supply chain and initiate action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, if any violations are found.
Health and Family Welfare Commissioner G Veerapandian said the department remains on high alert and is closely monitoring the situation. Rapid Response Teams have been conducting door-to-door surveys, and special medical camps have been established in affected areas to screen residents and provide timely treatment.
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