Indian authorities investigate the ‘mysterious’ cause of death

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

Since December 7, at least 17 people, including 12 children, have died in Badal village in Jammu’s Rajouri district.

The victims initially showed symptoms similar to food poisoning but then suddenly passed out, health officials said.

Although the village has been declared a containment zone, officials said the disease does not appear to be contagious and there is no need to fear an outbreak.

Local hospital superintendent Dr AS Bhatia said the first five patients – including four children – were admitted with symptoms similar to food poisoning, including vomiting and diarrhoea. Others complained of sore throat and breathing problems.

But then they all suddenly lose consciousness, he added.

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

According to the initial investigations, consumption of contaminated food and water may be the cause. Residents of the village have been asked not to drink water from the local spring following the discovery of pesticides.

The deaths occurred between December 7 and January 19 and the victims were members of three related families. Six of the dead were children. Brothers and sistersFrom seven to 15 years old. Their house is sealed.

Although doctors have ruled out the possibility of infection, an administrative order said close relatives of the three families are being taken to a government hospital in Rajouri, where their condition will be monitored. The order asked all residents of Badhal to consume only food and water provided by the administration.

“All food items in the affected households will be confiscated by the authorities,” the order said.

At least 10 people are being treated in hospitals in Rajouri, Jammu and Chandigarh cities.

Dr. Shuja Quadri, an epidemiologist at Government Medical College, Rajouri, said that since the disease occurred locally, viral, bacterial, protozoal and zoonotic infections were ruled out.

Among the second batch of patients admitted on December 12, five people, including a one-year-old baby, have recovered.

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

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