India's mystery illness could be linked to heavy metal poisoning, according to tests.
The first cases of the illness emerged in the city of Eluru, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, during the weekend.
Patients suffered from symptoms ranging from nausea and anxiety to seizures, convulsions and loss of consciousness, but they had tested negative for COVID-19.
According to Indian media reports, traces of heavy metals, such as lead and nickel, were found in the blood samples of at least 10 sufferers.
Superintendent of Eluru Government Hospital Dr A V Mohan told The Indian Express: "The sample size that we sent on an urgent basis to AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi) 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."
Dr Mohan said that only 84 people are still in hospital and they will be discharged soon.
Katamaneni Bhaskar, Andhra Pradesh health commissioner, said: "We have tentatively identified the primary cause of the strange phenomenon but it is not yet clear of the source and how and why it has happened.
"For instance, the chemicals are found in the body of the patients but not in either the water or any food substance."
Sky's India producer Neville Lazarus said more tests are being done by the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology and other institutes, with results expected soon.
Hospital officials said 555 people have been treated for the illness since it emerged on Saturday and, while most recovered quickly, a 45-year-old man had died from the illness.
India's health system is already under strain due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country.
According to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the pandemic worldwide, India has recorded more than 9.7 million cases, second only to the US.
More than 140,500 people have died with the virus - the third-worst number behind the US and Brazil.
Andhra Pradesh has been badly-hit by the virus, with more than 872,000 detected cases and more than 7,000 deaths.
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December 09, 2020 at 11:17AM
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India's mystery illness could be linked to heavy metal poisoning - Sky News
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