1 dead, over 250 admitted in hospital as mystery illness grips Andhra Pradesh's Eluru

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At least 1 person died and over 250 were admitted to hospital at Eluru in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district after mysteriously falling ill. Those admitted to hospital include residents of Eluru's North Street, South Street, Arundhatipet and Ashok Nagar areas.

It is learnt that the people were admitted to hospital after they complained of headaches, vomiting, giddiness and epilepsy-like symptoms. According to doctots at Eluru Government General Hospital in West Godavari district, most of the patients are now in stable condition but seven have been referred to a hospital in Vijayawada for better treatment.

A man who was admitted to the hospital died on Sunday.

Initially it was reported that the people were falling sick due to consumption of contaminated water but the local authorities are yet to confirm the same.

Health officials collected water samples and blood samples in order to find the reason behind the mystery illness. Local authorities also launched medical tests in each household in affected areas to ascertain the reason behind the mystery illness.

A total of 292 people, including 46 children, and 76 women were hospitalised and around 140 were discharged after treatment.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has been informed about the incident and he has directed officials to provide all necessary help to the affected locals. CM Reddy is scheduled to visit the hospital on Monday (December 7) to meet the patients.

Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan has expressed concerns over the developments and has directed concerned authorities to ensure that the affected people get proper medical care. Andhra Pradesh State Health Commissioner Katamaneni Bhaskar went to Eluru on Sunday to take stock of the situation.

Meanwhile, TDP chief and former Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu slammed the Andhra Pradesh government for 'neglecting' public health.