Unidentified toxin behind mysterious deaths in J&K’s Rajouri: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Union minister reacts to J&K mysterious illness that killed 17 people: ‘No virus, no bacteria’

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on Thursday that an infectious pathogen has been ruled out as the cause of a mysterious illness that has claimed 17 lives in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district over the past month. Preliminary investigations suggest unidentified toxins as the likely culprit.

Investigation findings so far

According to Dr. Singh, testing by the CSIR laboratory in Lucknow confirmed that the deaths were not caused by viral or bacterial infections. “Toxins have been found, and further investigation is underway to determine their exact nature,” he said. Authorities are investigating all possibilities, including potential foul play.

The fatalities, occurring between December 7 and January 19, were concentrated within three families in the remote Badhaal village. In response, the area has been declared a containment zone, with prohibitory orders issued to prevent public and private gatherings.

Current status of affected individuals

Four relatives of the deceased families are currently hospitalized in critical condition, officials confirmed. The symptoms reported include fever, nausea, intense sweating, loss of consciousness, and rapid deterioration leading to death within days of hospitalization.

Intensified investigations and measures

The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed an 11-member inter-ministerial team to probe the deaths. The team arrived in Rajouri after the death toll rose to 17 with the passing of a young girl at SMGS Hospital in Jammu.

Key steps taken so far include:

• Sealing a water source: Authorities sealed a local water spring, or bawli, after it tested positive for pesticides and insecticides.
• Food sample analysis: Over 200 food samples have been sent to laboratories across the country for testing, with results expected in 7 to 10 days.

Dr. Shuja Qadri, senior epidemiologist and head of the Community Medicines Department at GMC Rajouri, noted that the focus of the investigation has shifted to identifying toxins in food items.

No public health crisis, Say Officials

The Jammu and Kashmir government has assured the public that there is no evidence of a communicable disease and dismissed fears of a wider public health threat. Police have also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) after detecting neurotoxins in samples from the deceased.

Government and leadership response

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Badhaal village to meet with affected residents and pledged the government’s commitment to uncovering the cause of the fatalities. Authorities are working to identify the source of the toxins and implement control measures to prevent further deaths.

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