Rajouri: The death toll from a mysterious illness in Badhaal village of Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, has risen to 14 after two more fatalities, including a six-year-old girl, were reported on Tuesday. The ongoing outbreak has caused widespread panic among the villagers as 11 children and three elders from three families have succumbed over the past month.
Fatalities and Affected Families
The most recent victims include Safina Kousar, a six-year-old girl, and her grandfather, Mohd Rafiq. Safina passed away in a hospital in Jammu, where three of her siblings had also died over the last two days. Two more family members are currently battling for their lives.
Last month, nine people from two other families also succumbed to the disease. While the initial deaths were suspected to be caused by food poisoning, the situation worsened when villagers began exhibiting similar symptoms, prompting urgent government intervention.
Investigation and Medical Response
Health authorities have mobilized multiple expert teams to investigate the cause of the mysterious illness. These include professionals from:
- National Institute of Virology, Pune
- PGI Chandigarh
- AIIMS Delhi
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi
Preliminary investigations conducted last month suggested a viral infection as the likely cause, but definitive conclusions are pending further studies.
Measures Taken by Authorities
- Health Surveillance: Aggressive contact tracing and sampling are being carried out by the Health Department.
- Sample Testing: Food and water samples from the village have been collected to ensure the safety of essential supplies.
- On-Site Support: A dedicated team led by Jammu Health Director, Dr. Rakesh Mangotra, and Rajouri Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Manohar Rana, is stationed at Kandi Kotranka to oversee operations.
Infrastructure Support
The administration has deployed a mobile medical unit and ambulances to address any emergency medical needs in the affected area.
Monitoring by District Administration
Rajouri Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma is personally monitoring the crisis, ensuring timely intervention and mitigation efforts.
Public Awareness and Support
The district administration has urged residents to cooperate with health officials during ongoing surveillance and intervention measures. A control room has been set up to address public concerns, and residents are encouraged to report any health-related issues to local health authorities.
Conclusion
As health experts continue their investigation, the administration remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected residents. The community is advised to remain vigilant and follow guidelines issued by the health authorities to contain the outbreak.
