Mangalagiri: Superintendent of Mangalagiri AIIMS Dr Rakesh Kakkar spoke to ETV Bharat about the possible causes of the illness in Eluru in Andhra Pradesh.
He also said samples from patients have been sent to Delhi and the results will be shared with the state government.
Q: What are the symptoms of victims admitted to the hospitals?
A: Symptoms of dizziness and epilepsy were seen in all victims. Everyone is responding to treatment. The cause of the illness must be identified and the root of causes must be destroyed. Then the cases will no longer be found. Already .. some samples have been collected. Blood, water and urine samples were sent to Delhi AIIMS.
Q: How many samples were collected?
A: 5 types of samples were collected from newly admitted victims. We are working to find the cause. The state government also sent samples to Hyderabad. All of us are trying to prevent this disease.
Q: For what reason do people are getting sick?
A: Until the results of the tested samples arrive.. it cannot be accurately estimated. Contaminated water can lead to illness. If the results of the samples arrived we can know whether it is due to water or a viral infection.
Q: Could any metals be the reason for the cause?
A: Chlorine can cause similar diseases. Lead can also cause this. Insecticides used by farmers can also be a cause. However, these cannot be determined without a report.
Q: What kind of symptoms were found in those admitted to the hospital?
A: So far no respiratory symptoms have been reported. No one has diarrhoea. There seems to be some problem with the nerves. All the victims were stable and are responding to treatment.. no need to worry. Only one has expired within 350 affected. And the death also cannot be registered through elusive sickness.. it may have other issues too.
Q: Are you submitting any reports to the government on this incident?
A: AIIMS experts are preparing the report. We will hand it over to the state government soon.
