Medical Alert in Rajouri: Authorities Cancel Leaves of Doctors Following Mysterious Deaths

Authorities have revoked all leave for doctors and paramedics due to a medical alert after 17 people from Badhaal village in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district died from an unknown illness. The number of quarantined individuals has increased to 230. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that initial tests by a toxicology lab in Lucknow found the cause was not an infection, virus, or bacteria, but a toxin.

The principal of Rajouri Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital, Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, announced at a press conference that all leaves for medical staff have been cancelled. This decision comes after 17 individuals from three families died under mysterious circumstances over the past six weeks. The Jammu and Kashmir government has also sent 10 additional medical students to GMC Rajouri to assist with the situation.

Medical Alert and Investigation

Dr. Bhatia noted that the common factor in all 17 deaths was brain involvement and nervous system damage. The health of three patients being treated at GMC Hospital in Jammu and PGI Chandigarh is under close observation. Four people, including three sisters, were transferred to hospitals, with three airlifted to a hospital in Jammu on Wednesday.

More individuals, including relatives who had contact with the affected families, were placed in quarantine on Friday as a precaution. The Nursing College quarantine centre in Rajouri now houses 230 people, with strict security measures in place. Officials have identified several individuals who interacted with the affected families, from taking children to hospitals to burying them.

Containment Measures and Ongoing Probes

The remote village of Badhaal was declared a containment zone on Wednesday, with restrictions on public and private gatherings following the deaths. Seventeen people, including 13 children from the families of Mohammad Fazal, Mohammad Aslam, and Mohammad Rafiq, died from the mysterious illness over the last month and a half.

A central team continued its investigation on Friday into the cause of these deaths within three families. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), established by police after neurotoxins were found in samples from the deceased, is exploring potential criminal aspects. Over 50 individuals have been questioned so far.

Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing. "The initial investigation conducted by our toxicology laboratory in Lucknow concluded that it was not due to any infection, virus or bacteria but rather a toxin," he said. He added that they are testing various toxins and hope to find a solution soon while also investigating any possible foul play.