Rajouri, Jan 18 (KNS): An unidentified illness has claimed 16 lives and affected 38 others since December in Badhal village, Rajouri district. Medical experts and investigative teams are working to identify the cause while assuring residents there is no need to panic.
On Friday, a 60-year-old woman died from unknown causes in the village, prompting intensified surveillance. The state health department has deployed teams for door-to-door monitoring and medical assistance. An 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Budhal SP (Operations) Wajahat Hussain, has been constituted to probe the deaths.
Dr. Vinod Kumar, Block Medical Officer Kotranka, said, "Medical teams are available 24/7. Samples are being collected daily, and reports are expected within 8-10 days.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWe’ve provided assistance in four wards, and surveillance has been ongoing since December 7."
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo stated that no evidence of viral, bacterial, or fungal infections has been found. “Only three families have been affected. All samples tested negative for viral or bacterial causes,” he added.
Authorities have sealed three houses and relocated 21 relatives of affected families for close monitoring. A central team, including experts from top health institutes, is stationed in the village. The SIT is investigating food, medicines, and environmental factors to uncover the cause. (KNS)