The cause of the illness has not yet been fully determined. The Central Investigation Agency (CIA) has reported the presence of nickel and lead in the drinking water. However, people in Eluru are wondering if there may be any lead in their diet, due to the use of various pesticides and the presence of various factors in the diet. 
Nickel and lead in blood samples not found in drinking water Officials say it may take another four days to unravel this mysterious mystery. However, the medical commissioner said that the blood samples of the victims showed high levels of mercury in lead, nickel and rice. He also mentioned that lead and nickel were also present in the second report issued by the national agencies. But reports from People say that drinking water does not contain lead or nickel. 
He said the Pollution Control Board had also determined that the lead and nickel levels in the air were in excess of the lead and nickel levels in the air. He also said that although 80 per cent of the victims did not eat meat, they were still researching fish and meat. Commissioner Bhaskar told CM Jaganmohan Reddy that the medical camps would continue till the cases were registered. 
Thrill for another four days. Tension among the people of Eluru and the fact that it is likely to take another four days while everyone is anxiously awaiting the cause of the strange disease in Eluru under any circumstances, the medical health department officials said, adding that the suspense over what is actually the cause of the strange disease in Eluru will continue unabated. Until yesterday, lead and nickel in water and milk were thought to be the cause of the strange disease. Source