A mysterious illness has claimed 17 lives, including 13 children, in Badhaal village of Rajouri district over the past six weeks. Officials have quarantined over 200 people who came into contact with the affected families to prevent further spread.
Four people, including three sisters, have been hospitalized, with three airlifted to Jammu for advanced care. Officials say the illness has caused brain involvement and nervous system damage in all the deceased.
Authorities have declared Badhaal village a containment zone, banning public gatherings and sealing affected homes.
“The movement in and out of the containment zone is restricted to break the chain,” said a local official.
Quarantine centres have been set up at the GMC hospital and a nursing college in Rajouri.
“The quarantined individuals include relatives of the deceased and others who attended hospital visits or funerals,” officials added.
A central team is investigating the outbreak, with over 230 samples sent for testing. Neurotoxins have been found in some samples, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing criminal angles.
Dr. A.S. Bhatia, Principal of Government Medical College Hospital Rajouri, said, “The common factor in all 17 deaths is damage to the brain and nervous system. Investigations are ongoing.”
Local MLA Javaid Iqbal Choudhary has urged the government to declare a medical emergency. “Lives are at risk. We need immediate deployment of air ambulances and better healthcare facilities,” he said, criticizing the management at GMC Jammu.
He praised the district administration for their efforts but demanded more support from higher authorities. “Patients in GMC Jammu remain critical, and we insist they be shifted to Chandigarh for better care,” he added.
The district administration has ensured food and water supplies for families in the village while prohibiting communal dining. Investigations continue, with over 50 individuals questioned so far.
Officials confirmed that one patient, airlifted to PGI Chandigarh, is stable. However, others admitted to GMC Jammu remain under close observation.
Residents of Rajouri await clarity on the cause of the illness as authorities race to contain the mysterious outbreak and provide relief to affected families.
