Experts have identified the cause of a mysterious illness that killed 17 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district—including 14 children—that has been causing weeks of panic and uncertainty. According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, the sickness that spread fears throughout Budhal village is now related to cadmium toxin.
What is the cause of the illness?
Tests carried out at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research in Lucknow detected cadmium, Union Minister Jitendra Singh disclosed. In an interview with Dainik Jagran, he stated,
“How cadmium found its way inside the body is still a matter of investigation. No other virus, bacteria, or infection was found in the victims' samples. If there is any mischief, then we will know about it.”
What were the symptoms?
Many of the victims had brain swelling—a result of neurotoxins—doctors observed. Principal Government Medical College, Rajouri (GMC), Dr. A.S. Bhatia said:
“We try to mitigate the problem of patients reporting with brain damage, but once the patient reports with serious brain damage, we cannot reverse the condition.”
After rigorous testing at top laboratories including the National Institute of Virology, Pune, and the National Centre for Disease Control, the presence of neurotoxins was confirmed.
Authorities are taking strong measures to control the situation:
The Budhal village has been declared a containment zone, and families in the neighborhood have been moved to safer locations.
At the Nursing College in Rajouri, more than 200 individuals who were in close contact with the families of the victims have been isolated.
GMC Rajouri has acquired five anesthesia professionals and five pediatric specialists to support its team. Emergency technology is on standby, ensuring better care for affected patients.
Is the disease spreading?
In the last two days, six more teenagers—among them three siblings—have become sick. They are now being treated in isolation wards at GMC Rajouri.
An inter-ministerial group has been set up by the Union Home Ministry to investigate the fatalities. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, meanwhile, went to Rajouri earlier this week and assured locals that the government is working to find a solution.
Even though the cause of cadmium pollution is still unknown, health officials are closely watching the situation to stop further instances.