NEW DELHI, INDIA — A remote village in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a devastating mystery following the deaths of 17 people, including 12 children, since early December. The deaths have occurred in Badhal, a village in the Rajouri district of Jammu, leaving authorities searching for answers.
The victims initially presented symptoms resembling food poisoning, such as vomiting and diarrhea, as reported by health officials. However, a disturbing pattern emerged: the patients would suddenly lose consciousness. This unusual progression has baffled medical professionals and prompted a full-scale investigation.
Dr. AS Bhatia, head of a local hospital, described the initial symptoms of the first five patients, four of whom were children. Besides the gastrointestinal issues, some also reported sore throats and breathing difficulties before the sudden loss of consciousness.
The federal government has intervened, ordering a thorough investigation into the matter. A special team, comprising police, pathologists, and other specialists, has been assembled by the local administration and has already begun questioning numerous residents.
Early investigations point towards potential contamination of food and water as a possible cause. Following tests that revealed traces of pesticides in a local spring, villagers have been advised to avoid drinking water from it.
The deaths spanned from December 7th to January 19th and tragically affected members of three related families. Among the deceased children were six siblings, aged between seven and 15. Their homes have been sealed off as part of the investigation.
While medical experts have ruled out an infectious disease as the cause, precautionary measures are being taken. Individuals identified as close contacts of the affected families are being monitored at a government hospital in Rajouri. Additionally, all Badhal residents have been instructed to consume only food and water provided by the administration.
The situation in Badhal remains deeply concerning as authorities work to uncover the cause of these tragic deaths. The combination of initial food poisoning-like symptoms followed by sudden loss of consciousness presents a complex medical puzzle, leaving the community in a state of fear and uncertainty.
“All edible materials in the infected households shall be seized by the authorities,” the order said.
At least 10 individuals have been hospitalized in Rajouri, Jammu, and Chandigarh for medical treatment.
Dr. Shuja Quadri, an epidemiologist at the Government Medical College in Rajouri, confirmed that the outbreak is confined to a specific area, and they have excluded the possibility of viral, bacterial, protozoal, and zoonotic infections.
In the second group of patients admitted on December 12, five individuals, including a one-year-old, have successfully recovered.
“This was a ray of hope for us,” Dr Bhatia said.
