Rajouri: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, has confirmed that the recent fatalities in Badhal village of Rajouri are not attributed to any communicable disease. Addressing concerns about the “unexplained illness” that has claimed 15 lives, she assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored.
Investigations Rule Out Epidemic Threat
In a press statement, Minister Itoo emphasized that all investigations and sample analyses suggest the illness is neither bacterial nor viral in origin. She highlighted that samples were thoroughly examined by some of the nation’s most reputed laboratories, including:
- National Institute of Virology, Pune
- National Centre for Disease Control, New Delhi
- National Institute of Toxicology and Research, Lucknow
- Defence Research Development Establishment, Gwalior
- Microbiology Department of PGIMER, Chandigarh
- ICMR-Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, GMC Jammu
“The tests have conclusively shown no viral or bacteriological etiology, eliminating the possibility of a communicable disease outbreak,” she stated.
Timeline of Events
The first incident occurred on December 7, 2024, when a family of seven fell ill after attending a community meal. Tragically, five lives were lost. Subsequent incidents included:
- December 12, 2024: A family of nine was affected, leading to three fatalities.
- January 12, 2025: Another community meal resulted in ten individuals falling ill, with six children requiring hospitalization.
Government Action
The government has taken swift measures to address the crisis and uncover its root cause. These include:
- Immediate Response: Deployment of medical teams and the food safety department to collect food and water samples.
- Healthcare Initiatives: Organizing medical camps, establishing mobile medical units, and conducting door-to-door screenings.
- Rapid Investigation: Toxicological analysis by CSIR-IITR detected toxins in multiple biological specimens.
Minister Itoo, accompanied by other cabinet members, visited the affected area to oversee relief efforts and ensure comprehensive healthcare facilities. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired meetings with health authorities, district administration, technical experts, and police to strengthen fact-finding efforts.
National Coordination
Secretary of the Department of Health Research, MOHFW, and DG ICMR, Dr. Rajeev Bahl, held a video conference to strategize and rule out the possibility of an epidemic.
“The government remains committed to uncovering the cause of these tragedies and preventing further incidents,” Minister Itoo added.
Public Reassurance
Despite the tragic loss of lives, authorities assure that there is no public health threat. Investigations are ongoing, with the government’s focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected community.
