Central team to probe mysterious illness as Rajouri toll mounts to 8

Also, the administration has deployed a high-grade mobile laboratory in the affected area to address the situation.

Seven individuals from two different families had previously died after exhibiting symptoms resembling food poisoning in Badhaal village of Kotranka subdivision of the border district. However, initial investigations suggest the victims may have been suffering from a viral infection. Experts from national-level institutes are currently stationed in Rajouri to investigate the disease, which has alarmed the Jammu and Kashmir health department.

A central team of experts has been constituted to assist the Union Territory administration in probing the cases and deaths in the village. The team comprises Dr Raghavendra A. Honnakamble, Assistant Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); Dr Kapil Goel, Epidemiologist, PGIMER, Chandigarh; Dr Suresh Kumar, Assistant Professor (Pediatrics), PGIMER, Chandigarh; and an expert from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), who will be nominated by the institute.

Dr Narinder Singh Bhatial, Medical Superintendent of the Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, reported that the eighth victim, identified as Ashfaq Ahmad (12), was admitted to the Government SMGS Hospital in Jammu. His condition worsened on Wednesday, and he was transferred to GMC, where he was declared brought dead.

In light of the rising death toll, the administration has deployed a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) mobile laboratory in Rajouri. The lab is equipped to handle outbreaks caused by highly infectious pathogens and plays a crucial role in early detection, rapid investigation and timely containment of diseases, ensuring public safety during such health emergencies.

Rajouri Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma has been personally overseeing the operations, providing assistance and resources to the experts to ensure efficient progress in the investigation. “The administration is committed to ensuring a thorough investigation and providing immediate medical aid to prevent further loss of lives,” he said.

The results of the samples collected from the victims are still pending. Experts have indicated that it may take a few more days to determine the cause of the illness.