This story is from December 11, 2020

Eluru ‘mystery’ ailment: Are veggies, fish the culprits?

Available lab data points towards vegetables and fish as the possible source of poisonous contaminants in the samples of patients suffering from what has come to be known as Eluru ‘mystery’ disease. Pollutants in milk and other dairy products too may have contributed to acute symptoms in over 500 people. Analysis showed that water and air samples did not contain heavy metals.
Eluru ‘mystery’ ailment: Are veggies, fish the culprits?
HYDERABAD: Available laboratory data points towards vegetables and fish as the possible source of poisonous contaminants in the samples of patients suffering from what has come to be known as Eluru ‘mystery’ disease. Pollutants in milk and other dairy products too may have contributed to the development of acute symptoms in over 500 people in Eluru town.
A scientific analysis of the laboratory reports and data on water and air pollution released by the state government makes it amply clear that water and air samples did not contain heavy metals.
Those consuming bottled water and people in villages, where municipal tap water is not served, are also affected. Official data showed high levels of lead and nickel in some of the blood samples.
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If water and air are not the source of lead, nickel, or heavy metal poisoning, then the contaminants must have entered the bloodstream of the patients through food, say researchers. Vegetables, particularly leafy ones, and fish are known to gather heavy metals and pesticides from the earth through a process called bioaccumulation. A number of research studies have revealed the presence of heavy metals and pesticides in vegetables, fruits, and leafy vegetables like Gongura (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and Thotakura (Amaranthus), both local delicacies.
Similarly, researchers had also found heavy metals and pesticide residues in fish collected from Krishna and Godavari delta. In this backdrop, the report of the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), which collected vegetable samples, will hold the key to solving the mystery.
The government statement referring to mass convulsions in patients clarified that there was subsequent decrease of lead content in the blood after the patients were admitted. “This indicates that this is a case of acute exposure and not chronic exposure. This basically means that at this point in time it seems like a one-time spurt,” it said.
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About the Author
Syed Akbar

Syed Akbar is a senior journalist from Hyderabad. He is a specialist-journalist in science, technology, health, politics, environment, development, wildlife, religion, communities, and consumer affairs. He has been in the profession for the last 24 years. Before joining The Times of India, he worked with Deccan Chronicle and Indian Express.

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