Eluru (Andhra Pradesh): BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao said that heavy metal lead was the main cause of illness in Eluru in West Godavari district. In tests, patients' blood samples were found to have traces of lead and nickel he said.
Delhi AIIMS experts have asked the state government to send samples of local drinking water and milk. Doctors believe that lead may cause neuro-toxic symptoms and that the metal in the batteries may pass into patients' bodies through drinking water and milk."
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has expressed concern over the elusive disease in Eluru. The details of the incident were ascertained after talking to the Collector and officials. 'The Mangalagiri AIIMS medical team along with local doctors examined the patients. However, the cause of the condition was not known during the medical examination'- officials informed the Vice President.
He discussed the same issue with the Union Medical Health Minister. suggested a special initiative to provide high-quality medical care to the victims. In this context, the Union Minister has set up a team of three medical experts. The team, comprising AIIMS Department of Emergency Medicine Professor Dr Jamshed Nair, Pune NIV virologist Dr Avinash Devashtavar, NDCC Deputy Director, Dr Sanket Kulkarni, spoke to Eluru doctors and inquired about the situation.
A report released by the West Godavari district collector said that as many as 340 people fell sick out of which 157 are still undergoing treatment. As per the report, one person has died while 168 have been discharged. 56 doctors including specialists are providing treatment to the patients. Besides, a household health survey has been conducted in 57,863 houses to shed light on the matter.
Read: Centre rushes 3-member medical team to Eluru
