Over 200 people, including children, have been hospitalised in Eluru in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh with symptoms such as nausea and fainting, health officials said, adding that it could be a case of water contamination.
A report in the Times of India said that the group of people were from different parts of Eluru and doctors are perplexed over the reason for the illness. Symptoms also included epilepsy.
ANI also reported the incident, quoting the Government Hospital superintendent Dr Mohan: “Number of people falling sick in Eluru is increasing. From last night to this morning around 140 persons were admitted and discharged. Symptoms include nausea and fainting. Reason for sudden increase is not yet known.”
A medical team has arrived in Eluru to determine the cause of the illness. District Collector R. Muthyala Raju said that blood samples have been collected for analysis. He further said that officials are doing a door-to-door survey of the affected areas to check for water contamination.
Doctors have also been rushed from Vijayawada to assist the local doctors and to investigate the cause of the illness.
“The people who fell sick, especially the children, suddenly started vomiting after complaining of burning sensation in their eyes. Some of them fainted or suffered bouts of seizures. Some were in critical condition when they were first brought on Saturday but now all of them are safe,” a medical officer at Eluru Government Hospital said.