Sat Jan 25 04:04:26 UTC 2025: ## Mystery Illness Kills 17 in Indian Village, Triggering Statewide Medical Alert
**Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India –** A mysterious illness has claimed the lives of 17 people, mostly children, in the remote village of Badhaal, Rajouri district, triggering a major medical alert across Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have cancelled all leave for doctors and paramedics, and 230 individuals have been quarantined as a precautionary measure.
The deaths, spanning the past six weeks, have affected three families: those of Mohammad Fazal, Mohammad Aslam, and Mohammad Rafiq. Initial toxicology reports from Lucknow rule out infection, viral, or bacterial causes, suggesting a toxin as the likely culprit. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed this, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the specific toxin and whether foul play was involved.
Principal of Rajouri Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital, Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, announced the cancellation of all leave and winter vacations for medical staff to address the crisis. Ten additional medical students have been deployed to assist. Three patients remain hospitalized in Jammu and Chandigarh, under close observation.
The village of Badhaal has been declared a containment zone, with restrictions on public gatherings. A central team and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) are conducting separate investigations, the SIT focusing on potential criminal aspects. Over 50 individuals have been questioned. Dr. Bhatia noted that brain damage and nervous system impairment were common factors among the deceased. The investigation continues, leaving the cause of the deaths a mystery for now.
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