Andhra Mystery Disease: AP CM Calls On Patients, Probe On To Ascertain Cause

A mystery disease in Eluru, of Andhra Pradesh has claimed the life of a person and rendered 450 people sick. Preliminary investigations have revealed that organo chlorine substance is responsible for the illness. But there is no confirmation. A top official said that they are waiting for a laboratory report. Organo chlorine pesticides are chlorinated hydrocarbons and are mostly used in agriculture.

West Godavari District Collector R Muthyala Raju said that some of the people complained of seizures, vomiting, anxiety and headache. He said that illness is not contagious. Most of the victims are in the age group of 20 to 30 years and a few children below the age of 12 years have also been affected.

The water contamination has been ruled out as the cause of the disease spread because people who are living in other areas where Eluru Municipality doesn't supply drinking water have also fallen ill.  

A central team is expected to visit the state today to find the reason behind this mysterious disease and the team will be submitting a report by Tuesday evening.

According to Medical and Health department reports, "Water and milk samples have been sent to the centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad for analysis of heavy metal content."

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday visited Eluru Government Hospital in West Godavari district and interacted with the patients who have been admitted with complaints of nausea, giddiness and epilepsy. He assured that all help will be provided to the patients. The Chief Minister directed the officials to be alert and said that there shouldn't be any delay in providing medical facilities to the patients. 

YS Jagan also conducted a review meeting with the officials on the Eluru incident. Ministers Alla Nani, Sri Ranganadha Raju, Taneti Vanita, Perni Nani, Medical and Health Principal Secretary Anil Kumar Singhal, Medical and Health Commissioner K Bhaskar, district Collector Mutyalaraju, and other officials also participated in the review meeting.