A mysterious illness that has claimed 17 lives, including 13 children, in Badhaal village of Rajouri district over the past month and a half has triggered a health crisis. Over 200 individuals who came in contact with the affected families have been quarantined as a precautionary measure, officials said on Thursday. Four people, including three sisters, have been shifted to hospitals, with three airlifted to Jammu for advanced medical care. Meanwhile, the condition of a young patient, Ejaaz, airlifted to PGI Chandigarh, is reported to be stable.
Top health officials revealed a disturbing commonality among the deceased—a pattern of brain involvement and nervous system damage. “This is an alarming situation requiring urgent action,” said Dr. A.
S. Bhatia, Principal of Government Medical College Hospital, Rajouri. Local MLA and National Conference leader Javaid Iqbal Choudhary has called for the declaration of a medical emergency to curb the spread
of the illness. “The government must act immediately to save lives and contain this outbreak,” he told reporters, urging the deployment of air ambulance services and better healthcare infrastructure in the
region.
Containment and Precautions Intensified
Authorities have declared Badhaal village a containment zone, sealing off the homes of affected families and imposing prohibitory orders on public and private gatherings. The containment measures have been
divided into three zones:
Primary Zone: Homes of the deceased families, sealed under magistrate orders. Entry is strictly prohibited without official permission.
Secondary Zone: Families in close contact with the affected are under continuous health monitoring.
Tertiary Zone: All families in the village, where communal dining has been banned, and arrangements for food and water are being made.
Over 200 individuals, including relatives and those who participated in hospital visits and burials, have been relocated to a quarantine centre at a nursing college and GMC hospital in Rajouri. Officials
have implemented strict security measures, fencing off the facility and monitoring its occupants. All individuals are screened before admission, and the aim is to break the chain of transmission.
Investigation and Criticism
A central team is investigating the outbreak, with over 230 samples sent to various institutes for analysis. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the police is probing the presence of neurotoxins
found in the deceased, exploring potential criminal aspects. So far, more than 50 individuals have been questioned. MLA Choudhary criticized the management of GMC Hospital in Jammu, alleging mismanagement in handling the patients. “The children who were shifted to GMC Jammu are in critical condition, while the one taken to PGI Chandigarh is stable. We demand all patients be shifted to Chandigarh,” he said. Despite commending the efforts of the Rajouri district administration, police, and health department, Choudhary called for immediate intervention by higher authorities to address the crisis effectively. As the situation unfolds, the people of Rajouri anxiously await answers and action to prevent further loss of life in the region.
