Mystery fever that got over 500 sick could be linked to lead and nickel poisoning, says AIIMS report

A team from AIIMS was rushed to Eluru town after at least 550 people fell sick since Saturday evening from an undiagnosed illness, said media reports.

According to health officials the illness has symptoms like epilepsy for 3-5 minutes, anxiety, forgetfulness, vomiting, and back pain.

Though most people have recovered from the mystery fever swiftly, the death of a 45-year-old man in the weekend has left the administration worried.

An Indian Express report said that the AIIMS team conducted blood tests and a preliminary report revealed that at least 10 blood samples collected from different places in Eluru have traces of heavy metals lead and nickel.

Superintendent of told The Indian Express: “The sample size that we sent on an urgent basis to AIIMS was small but their report indicates presence of heavy metals like lead and nickel in the blood samples of patients. We have sent more samples and their reports are awaited,” Eluru Government Hospital Dr A V Mohan was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

Of the 550 people, who were admitted because of the fever, only 84 are still remaining in the hospital, Dr Mohan added.

According to the administration the disease does not seem to be contagious and has also been reported from localities where Eluru Municipality does not supply water.

After AIIMS report, Andhra chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has asked the officials to submit a detailed report on the lillness, tests, including milk and water test conducted and treatment provided.

“An Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) team is also running tests and the results are awaited,”  a statement from the chief minister's office said.