Two elderly women die after milk contamination in Rajahmundry

At least two elderly women have died, and several others remain under treatment following suspected milk contamination in Rajahmundry, raising serious public health concerns in Andhra Pradesh. Health officials confirmed that the women, aged 85 and 70, fell critically ill within the last 24 hours after consuming milk supplied in their neighbourhoods.
Doctors reported that both women died due to acute renal failure. Meanwhile, seven more people, mostly senior citizens, are currently receiving medical care.
Authorities have launched an urgent investigation to find the source of the contamination and to prevent further illness.

What Happened in Rajahmundry

The affected families live in Chowdeshwari Nagar and Swaroop Nagar in Rajahmundry. According to district officials, a local milk vendor who supplies milk to more than 100 households has been taken into custody on suspicion of adulterating the milk.

So far, teams have collected samples from 75 homes. Initial checks already point to contamination. However, laboratory tests will confirm exactly what harmful substances entered the milk supply.

Because of this development, health authorities have issued alerts in both localities and advised residents to stop using the milk until further notice.

Patients Showed Sudden Kidney Related Symptoms

Doctors from private hospitals informed the District Medical and Health Office after several patients arrived with anuria, a condition where the body stops producing urine. This symptom often signals acute kidney injury.
Medical teams immediately stepped in.
Rapid response units are now going door to door, checking on residents and collecting milk, food, and water samples. In addition, officials have set up quick screening medical camps and field-level clinics in the affected areas to identify new cases early.
The Government General Hospital in Rajahmundry will conduct post-mortems on the two deceased women to determine the exact cause of death.

Emergency Measures in Place

District authorities have formed a Rapid Response Team to manage the situation. Their current priorities include:

Screening residents for symptoms
Providing immediate treatment to anyone who is unwell
Collecting environmental samples for lab analysis
Tracking every household supplied by the suspected vendor

Health officials also reassured the public that they are checking for both chemical adulterants and possible infections.

Chief Minister Orders Immediate Review

N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the incident on Monday and directed senior officers from the Food Safety Department and the Medical and Health Department to reach Rajahmundry without delay. He asked them to oversee medical care, speed up testing, and ensure accountability.

Why This Matters

This tragic episode of suspected milk contamination in Rajahmundry highlights how vulnerable elderly people can be to food-related illnesses. Even small amounts of harmful substances can quickly damage vital organs, especially the kidneys.

Public health experts advise residents in the area to:

Avoid consuming unpackaged or locally supplied milk until officials give clearance
Seek medical help immediately if they notice reduced urination, vomiting, weakness, or confusion
Use only safe drinking water for now

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as lab results are awaited.

Conclusion

Two lives have already been lost, and several families remain anxious as doctors and officials work around the clock. The investigation into suspected milk contamination in Rajahmundry is ongoing, and health teams are urging residents to stay alert while they contain the outbreak and identify the adulterant responsible.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

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I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.