Rajouri, January 20 (KNS): The health department in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district is ramping up efforts to contain the outbreak of an unidentified disease that has claimed 17 lives and affected 38 others since early December 2024. Health teams have been conducting extensive screenings across the region, visiting nearly 9,000 to 10,000 houses, according to Dr. M.L. Raina, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Rajouri.

Dr. Raina emphasized that despite the rising cases, there is no immediate need to declare a public health emergency. He reported that active and passive surveillance efforts have been underway since the disease first emerged, with mobile health units and teams from the National Health Organization working alongside local medical professionals.

“The surveillance has been comprehensive, covering over 1,600 to 1,700 houses.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelOur teams are in every cluster, ensuring we monitor the situation closely. Testing results have shown no viral infections or vector-related issues, confirming there’s no current threat of a public health emergency,” Dr. Raina stated.

Locals, including Surjeet Singh Thakur, expressed confidence in the coordinated efforts of the health and police departments, which have been working together to determine the cause of the deaths. Initial findings suggest the disease is neither viral nor bacterial, with some speculating the possibility of poisoning.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the formation of an inter-ministerial team to investigate the unexplained deaths, while the Indian Army has been deployed to assist with supplies and support.(KNS)