Authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the unusual deaths of 17 individuals, primarily children, in Badhal, a village located in Jammu and Kashmir. Since December 7, a total of 17 fatalities have occurred, with victims including 12 minors from three related families in the Rajouri district.
Reports suggest that the initial symptoms mirrored food poisoning, with individuals experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea. However, health officials noted a disturbing trend where those affected suddenly lost consciousness. The village has since been classified as a containment zone; yet, officials affirm that the illness does not appear to be contagious, alleviating fears of a wider epidemic.
Dr. AS Bhatia, the head of a local medical facility, recounted the plight of the first five patients who exhibited food poisoning symptoms. Aside from the gastrointestinal symptoms, others reported sore throats and respiratory issues. Despite initial concerns about a transmitting agent, an in-depth investigation revealed that water and food contamination might be the guiding factor.
In light of these findings, authorities have advised residents against using water from a nearby spring, where tests identified pesticide traces. The confirmed fatalities date from December 7 to January 19, with siblings aged seven to 15 years among the deceased. Their homes have been closed off while health officials monitor the situation closely.
The central government has mandated a detailed inquiry. A specialized task force, consisting of law enforcement, pathologists, and health experts, is reportedly interviewing numerous locals to ascertain further causes of the consistent tragic outcomes.
In response to the crisis, individuals closely associated with the affected families will be transferred to a government healthcare facility in Rajouri for close observation. A directive has been issued by administrative authorities, mandating that all food and water supplied to locals comes directly from official sources.
Additionally, ten individuals have been admitted to various hospitals in the region for treatment, though five members of an additional cohort of patients who were hospitalized on December 12, including a one-year-old, have positively responded to treatment. Dr. Shuja Quadri, an epidemiologist from the Government Medical College in Rajouri, confirmed that the sickness appears localized as they have ruled out the likelihood of infections transmitted through viruses, bacteria, protozoa, or zoonotic pathways.
This troubling situation is under tight scrutiny as local health officials work diligently to prevent any future occurrences.
