India officials investigate cause of ‘mysterious’ deaths

Officials are investigating the “mysterious deaths” of more than a dozen people – most of them children – in the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir.

At least 17 people, including 12 children, have died in Badal village in Rajouri district of Jammu state since 7 December.

Health officials said the victims initially showed symptoms similar to those of food poisoning, but suddenly lost consciousness.

The village was declared a containment zone, but officials stated that the disease does not appear to be contagious, and there is no fear of the epidemic spreading.

Dr A S Bhatia, head of a local hospital, said the first five patients – including four children – who were admitted to the hospital showed symptoms similar to those of food poisoning, including vomiting and diarrhoea. Others complained of sore throat and breathing problems.

He added that they would suddenly lose consciousness after that.

The federal government ordered an investigation. A special investigation team was established by the local administration, including police officers, pathologists and other specialists He doubted Dozens of people so far.

According to preliminary investigations, consumption of contaminated food and water may be the cause. Villagers have been asked not to drink water from a local spring after a test sample showed traces of pesticides found in the test.

The deaths occurred between December 7 and January 19, and the victims were members of three related families. Six of the people who died were children BrothersTheir ages range from seven to 15 years. Their homes have been closed.

Although doctors have ruled out the possibility of infection, the administrative order stipulates that people identified as close contacts of the three families should be transferred to a government hospital in Rajouri, where their condition will be monitored. The order also requires all other Badal residents to consume only food and water provided by the administration.

“The authorities must confiscate all edible items in the infected families,” the order read.

At least 10 people have been admitted to hospitals in Rajouri, Jammu and Chandigarh and are receiving treatment.

Dr. Shuja Qadri, an epidemiologist at Rajouri Government Medical College, said the disease is localized and they have ruled out the possibility of a viral, bacterial, protozoan or zoonotic infection.

Among the second group of patients admitted to hospital on December 12, five people recovered, including a one-year-old child.

“This was a ray of hope for us,” Dr. Bhatia said.

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