Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir – A mysterious illness has caused widespread panic in Budhal village of Rajouri, claiming 16 lives, including 12 children, and affecting 38 individuals since early December 2024.

Health authorities and officials remain on high alert as investigations into the origin of the disease continue. The latest victim, a 60-year-old woman named Jatti Begum, passed away on Friday at GMC Associated Hospital, Rajouri.

Her husband, Muhammad Yousuf, also succumbed to the illness a few days earlier. The deaths, spanning 45 days, are confined to three interlinked families, with the first fatalities reported on December 5, 2024, after a community meal.

Despite extensive testing and analysis by reputed institutions, including PGIMER Chandigarh, NIV Pune, and NCDC New Delhi, the cause of the illness remains unidentified. However, toxicological analysis conducted by CSIR-IITR has detected toxins in biological specimens, ruling out communicable diseases.

Symptoms and Pattern of the Illness

According to medical teams, the disease manifests rapidly, with patients, especially children, deteriorating within 2-3 days. Symptoms include severe illness, leading to coma and death despite intensive care, including ventilation.

The pattern of cases, confined to specific families, suggests a possible non-infectious cause. One pediatric expert noted, “From a pediatric perspective, all necessary tests have been conducted. Observations suggest the illness is not contagious, alleviating fears of a wider outbreak.”

Efforts by Authorities

The Rajouri district administration, health department, and police are working closely to address the crisis. Over 5700 residents of Budhal village are under surveillance, and door-to-door counseling is ongoing. A team of state rapid response experts, epidemiologists, and microbiologists, along with representatives from national health institutes, has been deployed to investigate the outbreak.

In addition, an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by SP Budhal Wajahat Hussain, has been formed to probe the deaths. The SIT includes experts in forensic microbiology, pediatrics, pathology, and food safety.

Timeline of Events

December 5, 2024: Five members of a family, including its head, died after a community meal. December 12, 2024: Three children succumbed to the illness.

January 12, 2025: Another family of ten fell ill after a similar community meal, resulting in additional fatalities.

January 17, 2025: The death toll rose to 16 following the passing of Jatti Begum.

The inability to identify the illness has fueled fear and apprehension among villagers. Thousands of samples have been collected, with tests conducted for bacterial, viral, and toxicological causes, all yielding inconclusive results.

The situation remains dire, but authorities are intensifying efforts to identify the source of the illness and prevent further casualties. Investigators are exploring environmental, toxicological, and other non-communicable factors while providing medical assistance to affected families.

As the investigation continues, the government has assured residents that every resource is being mobilized to resolve the crisis and ensure their safety.