No Trace of Urea in Contaminated Milk Tragedy, Say Officials

The Andhra Pradesh government has released fresh details on the suspected milk contamination tragedy in East Godavari district that claimed five lives and left nearly 15 people hospitalized .

Health and Family Welfare Commissioner G. Veerapandian said preliminary tests have not found traces of urea in the milk samples examined so far. However, seven patients remain critical and are under intensive care.

Officials clarified that sudden kidney or liver failure is unlikely from short-term urea exposure and usually occurs only after prolonged consumption. Medical experts have instead raised the possibility of ethylene glycol contamination , which can cause severe complications within three to four days of ingestion.

No fresh cases were reported on Tuesday. Laboratory results from the dairy and blood samples collected in the affected areas are expected to begin arriving from Wednesday and continue in phases until Saturday. Meanwhile, surveillance continues in and around Rajahmundry.

Authorities have assured round-the-clock medical services in the affected localities for at least a month. Specialised medicines aimed at improving kidney function have been sourced from Chennai and Mumbai on the advice of senior doctors. Samples of milk and related products — including curd, ghee, paneer and vinegar — have been sent to accredited laboratories in Hyderabad and Kakinada for detailed analysis.

District Collector Keerthi Chekuri said milk supplied by a private dairy in Narasapuram village had reached 106 families before the distribution was halted. Seven hospitalised patients have shown signs of recovery, while others remain on ventilator and dialysis support.

Rapid Response Teams conducted door-to-door health screening , covering 680 houses and 960 families. Of 315 blood samples tested, only two individuals showed elevated urea and creatinine levels.