Lagatar24 Desk
Jammu and Kashmir: Union Minister Jitendra Singh has shared critical updates on the mysterious illness in J&K’s Rajouri district that has claimed 17 lives since December 2024. Initial investigations suggest the presence of a toxin, with no evidence of bacterial or viral infections, according to reports from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) toxicology lab in Lucknow.
Speaking at the inauguration of a bridge in Basantpur, Singh said, “Initial tests rule out infection caused by any bacteria or virus. The focus now is on identifying the toxin. A detailed analysis is underway to determine its source. If there is any foul play, we will uncover it.”
The Mysterious Illness
The illness, which has also affected 38 people, primarily impacted three families in Rajouri’s Badhal area. Health officials have ruled out the need for a public health emergency but remain vigilant.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the affected families and assured them of ongoing efforts to identify the cause. “The health department, along with other teams, began investigations immediately after receiving reports. While tests ruled out bacteria or viruses, the exact cause remains unknown,” Abdullah said.
Union Government Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the deaths. The inter-ministerial team, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, will work alongside state authorities to establish the cause and prevent further casualties.
Next Steps
Efforts are focused on testing a “series of toxins” that could explain the fatalities. Meanwhile, health officials have intensified surveillance and conducted thorough environmental and water quality checks in the affected areas.
