Amaravati, Feb 24 (NationPress) The health status of seven individuals currently receiving medical attention in various hospitals in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, after consuming contaminated milk remains critical, according to a high-ranking official on Tuesday.

The Commissioner of the State Health and Family Welfare Department, Veerapandian, reported that a total of 15 people are being treated in hospitals, including three patients on ventilators, two on dialysis, and an additional three on ventilator-dialysis.

Among the patients are two children, one of whom is just five months old.

So far, four fatalities have been recorded, with no new cases reported on Tuesday.

Veerapandian assured the media that appropriate measures are being implemented to ensure optimal treatment for all hospitalized individuals.

Following advice from senior nephrologist Dr. Raviraj, necessary medications aimed at swiftly enhancing kidney function, which are unavailable locally, are being sourced from Chennai and Mumbai.

Authorities noted that the contaminated milk was distributed to households on February 16. Since symptoms may manifest later, medical professionals are available in the affected areas 24/7. This support will remain in place for an additional month, they confirmed.

Three individuals were admitted to hospitals following their blood test results, revealing that two had elevated creatinine levels.

Blood samples were gathered from 315 individuals belonging to 110 families who received milk from the implicated vendor. Among these, two individuals showed high creatinine levels, while a third exhibited concerning symptoms. Their health conditions are currently stable.

Veerapandian stated that there have been no detected traces of urea in the milk thus far. He explained that while urea contamination can lead to health issues such as kidney failure and liver damage, these problems typically develop only after prolonged consumption of contaminated milk.

Furthermore, he noted that severe health complications could arise three to four days post-consumption of milk tainted with ethylene glycol.

During a joint press conference, Veerapandian and Neelakantha Reddy, Director of the Institute of Preventive Medicine (Food Safety Department), revealed that investigations have indicated a leak of ethylene glycol, a coolant used in a milk cooling machine.

Authorities have collected up to 10 samples of leftover curd, ghee, vinegar, and milk from affected families for analysis at labs recognized by the National Food Safety Authority in Hyderabad and Kakinada.

While the specific milk from the vendor has not been located, samples of curd, paneer, ghee, and cream were obtained. Results from water samples are anticipated between Wednesday and Saturday, with hopes of determining the source of the milk adulteration.

Police investigations are ongoing based on information acquired from the vendor, who remains in custody. Authorities are also probing the potential use of ethylene glycol in dairy milk storage and related practices. Additionally, police have interrogated the mechanic responsible for repairs on the milk cooling machine.

Director Neelakantha Reddy announced that sample collection from milk vendors, producers, storage owners, and wholesalers throughout the state will commence on Wednesday. He stated that inspections will determine whether these entities hold authorized licenses.