Srinagar, Jan 15 — The 14 deaths reported in the last 45 days in the Badhaal area of Rajouri are not linked to any mysterious disease, Health Minister Sakeena Itoo said on Wednesday.
She stated that the deaths have been confined to three related families living in close proximity. "If the cause had been a communicable disease, it would have spread widely," she remarked.
Extensive tests conducted in and outside Jammu and Kashmir have returned negative for any disease, infection, or virus, the minister informed while speaking to reporters.
Since December 7, 15 people, including 11 children, have died in Badhaal village, leaving the area in shock. With test results ruling out common causes, Itoo acknowledged the situation as a serious concern and assured that efforts are being made to determine the cause promptly.
The health department has screened 3,500 villagers door-to-door since the first deaths, she said, adding, "Samples were analysed at top institutions like ICMR Pune, NCDC Delhi, DRDE Gwalior, and PGI-Chandigarh. Water and food samples yielded no evidence of contamination."
Authorities are now focusing on detailed investigations to identify other potential causes.
Itoo noted reports of neurotoxins in some deceased individuals but said final conclusions are pending.
The sequence of fatalities began on December 8, with Mohammad Fazal and his four children passing away.
Subsequently, deaths occurred in two more families, including a pregnant woman who reportedly succumbed due to medical negligence. Recent victims include a 62-year-old man and a six-year-old girl.
Symptoms such as high fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, and loss of consciousness have puzzled medical experts, forcing them to treat patients symptomatically.
Meanwhile, police and district administration have formed an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by SP (Operations) Budhal Wajahat Hussain. The team includes officials and experts from forensic medicine, toxicology, food safety, agriculture, and other relevant fields.