India officials investigate cause of ‘mysterious’ deaths

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

At least 17 people, including 12 children, have died in Badhal village of Jammu’s Rajouri district since December 7.

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

The village has been declared a storage area, but officials say the disease does not appear to be contagious, and there is no fear of an outbreak.

Dr AS Bhatia, director of a nearby hospital, said that the first five patients – including four children – who were admitted had symptoms similar to food, including vomiting and diarrhoea. Others complained of sore throats and shortness of breath.

But then all of them would suddenly collapse, he added.

The government has ordered an investigation. A special investigation team has been set up by local authorities, which includes police, pathologists and other experts, he said. he asked many people so far.

According to preliminary research, consumption of contaminated food and water may have been the cause. The people of the village have been asked not to drink the water from the local spring after it has been tested positive for pesticides.

The deaths occurred between 7 December and 19 January and the victims were members of three related families. Six of the children who died were brotherswith ages ranging from 7 to 15. Their homes are sealed.

Although doctors have ruled out illness, the monitoring order says that people identified as neighbors of the three families are being shifted to the Rajouri government hospital, where they will be monitored. The order also asks all residents of Badhal to only consume food and water provided by the administration.

“All food items from infected households will be confiscated by the authorities,” it said.

At least 10 people have been admitted to hospitals in Rajouri, Jammu and Chandigarh and are undergoing treatment.

Dr Shuja Quadri, an epidemiologist at the Government Medical College in Rajouri, said that the disease is endemic and argued that it can be caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoal and zoonotic diseases.

Of the second group of patients who were admitted on December 12, five people, including a one-year-old child, have recovered.

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

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