Health officials in Jammu and Kashmir are investigating a series of mysterious deaths in Badhaal village, Rajouri district, that claimed seven lives, including five from a single family. Initial suspicions of food poisoning have shifted toward a possible viral infection, though conclusive evidence remains pending.
A multi-disciplinary team, including experts from AIIMS Delhi, the National Institute of Virology, Pune, PGI Chandigarh, and NCDC Delhi, has joined the probe. “More time is required to finalise whether the deaths were caused by a virus outbreak or some toxins,” said Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu.
The Health Department has dispatched rapid response teams, stocked medicines, and deployed an ambulance in the affected area. An isolation ward has been set up at GMC Rajouri and SMGS Hospital in Jammu. Officials confirm that 28 affected individuals are stable, with many showing encouraging signs of recovery.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Harjeet Rai assured that the final report is expected soon, while Health Minister Sakeena Masood expressed solidarity with the affected families during her visit to the village. Immediate steps, including upgrading local healthcare facilities, have been announced to prevent further outbreaks.
