The death toll in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, has risen to 15, with another child succumbing to a mysterious disease, increasing the alarm over the health crisis in the region. The victims, including 11 children, have died over the past month, sparking widespread concern.
In response, the government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the cause of the deaths. Senior Police Officer SP Operation will head the 11-member team. Meanwhile, Health Minister Sakina Itoo urged calm, emphasizing that the actual cause of the deaths is still being investigated.
The BJP has approached AIIMS, requesting a team of doctors to visit the affected Budhal village in Rajouri to monitor the situation and assist in identifying the cause of the disease.
So far, the government has struggled to pinpoint the cause of the outbreak, despite several tests yielding negative results. Health Minister Itoo stated that while a few deaths occurred in December 2024, the situation was under control until the deaths began to rise sharply in early January. Between January 9 and now, 6-7 children were affected after attending a local function, with some being transferred to Rajouri and GMC Jammu for treatment. Despite medical efforts, some of these children tragically passed away.
The J&K Students Association has written to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, calling for a high-level inquiry and urgent intervention to address the health crisis. In their letter, the association expressed disappointment over the lack of conclusive findings or public statements from the administration, which has increased the distress of the local community.
They are demanding the deployment of medical experts, including epidemiologists, to contain the outbreak and provide relief to the affected families.
