China's health ministry on Thursday raised the number of infants hospitalized for problems linked to the consumption of tainted milk powder to 47,000, with more than 10,000 still under treatment, reproted dpa.
A total of 36,144 children were released from hospitals nationwide after treatment for kidney problems and other ailments believed to be linked to melamine-contaminated milk powder, the ministry said on its website.
Another 10,666 remained under treatment in hospitals, including eight in serious condition, the ministry said.
The ministry and state media had previously reported that about 13,000 infants were hospitalized and said clinics had recorded 40,000 others who experienced health problems after consuming suspect milk powder.
At least four infants have died as a result of consuming melamine-contaminated milk powder.
The World Health Organization last month said the scandal over milk products contaminated with melamine was worsened by "ignorance and deliberate failure to report" problems by local authorities in China.
But the WHO said the central government appeared to have acted quickly and appropriately once it was informed about the problems of melamine contamination.
After initial complaints about milk powder, health inspectors later found melamine in some liquid milk and yoghurt sold by three leading dairy producers.
Melamine is used as a binding agent and coating for particle, fibre and laminated board in furniture. It is also used to make fertilizer.