A mysterious illness in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, has led to 17 deaths, sparking concerns among medical authorities and the public. Investigations reveal brain involvement and nervous system damage as a common factor among the fatalities.

Key Highlights:

1. Fatalities and Recovery:

• A total of 17 deaths have been reported in the Rajouri district due to the unidentified illness.

• Of the 9 patients admitted to Government Medical College Rajouri, 5 have recovered.

  2.  Investigations and Observations:

• Principal of GMC Rajouri, Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, identified brain involvement and nervous system damage as common factors among the deaths.

• Teams from forensic departments in Chandigarh and Lucknow, along with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), are investigating the cause.

• Bacterial and viral infections have been ruled out.

  3.  Authorities’ Actions:

• Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the affected families in Rajouri's Badhal and assured them of ongoing efforts to uncover the cause.

• An inter-ministerial team led by the MHA, with experts from forensic departments, is actively probing the incidents.

  4.  CM’s Statement:

• CM Omar Abdullah stated that while no bacteria or viruses were found, the cases are confined to three families.

• He assured that both medical and police investigations are underway to determine the cause of the deaths.

  5.  Union Home Minister’s Directive:

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the formation of an inter-ministerial team to investigate the incidents over the past six weeks.

Statements from Leaders or Officials:

• Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, Principal of GMC Rajouri:"A common factor in all the deaths is the involvement of the brain and damage to the nervous system. Recovery becomes tough once the brain gets involved."

• "We are conducting preventive CT scans and hope to find the cause soon to raise awareness among the affected population."

• CM Omar Abdullah:"Tests ruled out bacteria and viruses. Police and central government teams are working together to investigate and find the cause behind the deaths."

The inter-ministerial team is working closely with health and police departments to determine the root cause of these unexplained deaths. Public awareness campaigns and preventive measures, such as avoiding food exchanges, are being initiated to prevent further incidents.