Health teams intensify surveillance as unidentified illness claims lives in Budhal village; investigation underway
Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir), January 19: Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister, M. Surinder Kumar Choudhary, visited Budhal village in Rajouri district following the deaths of 16 individuals due to a mysterious illness. The fatalities, which have included youths and young children, have raised concerns among residents and authorities.
“This is very unfortunate, not just for Budhal but for the entire Jammu and Kashmir and the country. Young children and youth have died,” Choudhary stated while speaking to ANI. He assured that the government is actively monitoring the situation.
The Deputy CM confirmed that ex-gratia payments have been provided to the victims’ families and that investigations into the cause of the deaths are ongoing. He added, “The administration is inspecting the ration being distributed to them, and police are investigating to determine the cause of these tragic deaths.”
Health Teams on Alert
The state health department has deployed teams to conduct door-to-door surveillance in the affected area, where 38 other residents have reportedly fallen ill since early December.
- Dilmir Choudhary, ADC Kotranka, stated: “Health teams have been active since December. Surveillance is ongoing, and doctors are available daily to monitor the situation. Residents need not be afraid.”
- Dr. Vinod Kumar, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Kotranka, added, “Medical assistance has been provided in four wards. We are conducting door-to-door counseling and surveillance, with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) collecting daily samples. Reports on the illness are expected in 8-10 days.”
Symptoms and Observations
Pediatrician Dr. Ashwani, from GMC Rajouri, detailed the progression of the illness. “Children’s conditions deteriorate rapidly within 2-3 days, leading to coma and eventual death despite ventilation. The incidents are confined to three families, suggesting a non-infectious cause. The public should not panic,” he stated.
Medical experts from organizations such as PGIMER Chandigarh, the National Institute of Virology, and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are working to identify the cause of the illness.
Government’s Assurance
Deputy CM Choudhary reiterated that Chief Minister Manoj Sinha is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed the administration to provide all necessary support to the affected families.
The investigation continues as authorities and medical experts strive to uncover the cause of the deaths and prevent further fatalities.