- By Aashish Vashistha
- Wed, 22 Jan 2025 04:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Rajouri Deaths: The mysterious deaths of 17 people in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri have sent shockwaves across the nation. The district administration has declared the Badhal area a containment zone and imposed restrictions on public gatherings as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of infection.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting last week. They instructed the health and police departments to fast-track the investigation and determine the causes of the deaths.
“The unexplained nature of these deaths is deeply concerning. The government is fully committed to uncovering the root cause and ensuring the safety of our people. All departments must collaborate and leave no stone unturned to resolve this issue," Abdullah said.
ALSO READ: Kashmir's Chinar Trees Geo-Tagged With QR Codes To Aid Conservation Efforts In Valley
The deaths in the span of the past 45 days have been attributed to neurotoxins, as confirmed by tests conducted at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Institute of Virology, Pune. These tests ruled out viral or bacterial infections, and it was determined that the disease was not communicable.
The patients who succumbed to the condition exhibited symptoms including nausea, pain, fever, and a loss of consciousness, which ultimately led to their tragic deaths.
What Are Neurotoxins
A neurotoxin is a substance that interferes with the normal functioning of the nervous system by damaging or impairing neurons (nerve cells). These toxins can impact the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, leading to a range of symptoms, which vary depending on the type and severity of the toxin.
Neurotoxins can originate from natural sources, including bacteria, plants, or animals, and they can also be synthetic chemicals.
ALSO READ: Saif Ali Khan Discharged: Actor Rewards Auto Driver Bhajan Singh With THIS Whopping Amount
Dr AS Bhatia, Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, said that the individuals who passed away shared a common medical issue—brain swelling, and nervous system damage. He explained that the presence of neurotoxins in the samples, which were analyzed by leading laboratories in the country, caused the brain damage.
The first death was reported on December 7, 2024, when a family of seven became ill after attending a community meal, resulting in five deaths. On December 12, another family of nine was affected, leading to three fatalities. The third incident took place on January 12, when a family of 10 fell ill following a community meal, with six children being hospitalized.