Affected individuals were reportedly sickened beginning around 16 February, leading to the death of older adults including G Surya Rao (81) and K Satyanarayana (76) in recent days. Dozens remain under intensive medical care, with many patients placed on dialysis and ventilator support as clinicians work to stabilize kidney and organ function.

Authorities have traced the contaminated supply to Varalakshmi Milk Dairy in Narasapuram village, where surveillance samples of milk, curd, ghee and other dairy products were collected for testing at state and private labs. While some microbial and toxicology analysis has reportedly been completed, officials have not yet disclosed detailed results, and investigations remain ongoing to pinpoint the precise cause of contamination.

Investigators suspect that harmful substances like ethylene glycol — a coolant chemical — may have inadvertently leaked into milk containers through flawed refrigeration equipment, though forensic analysis is still pending. Food safety officials are also considering common adulterants like urea, starch or milk powder that might have been added to bulk up low-volume supplies, a practice that can pose serious health risks when mixed with toxic compounds.