Mysterious illness kills 17 people in J&K’s Rajouri, entire village declared containment zone

The Badhaal area of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir has been at the center of an ongoing health crisis, with 17 deaths reported over the last 50 days. Among the deceased are 13 children from three related families, whose deaths occurred under mysterious circumstances. The district administration, in response to the escalating situation, has declared Badhaal a containment zone and imposed a ban on all public and private gatherings to prevent further spread of the illness. The latest cases reported include a 25-year-old man, who initially sought treatment at GMC Jammu and was later referred to PGI Chandigarh. Two other individuals from the same area are also being transferred for advanced care.

The deaths began on December 7, 2024, when five individuals, including four children, fell ill after consuming a community meal. Over the next several weeks, the number of fatalities continued to rise, with the most recent death recorded in January 2025. Despite extensive investigations, health authorities have not yet been able to determine the exact cause of the illness. Laboratory tests have ruled out the presence of viruses, bacteria, or other known infectious agents. The government has maintained that there is no confirmed viral or bacterial outbreak in the region, yet the unexplained nature of the deaths persists.

The district administration, led by Rajouri District Magistrate Rajeev Kumar Khajuria, issued a formal order on January 22, 2025, to implement containment measures in the affected area. The order mandates the sealing of the homes of those who have died and the homes of their close contacts. To prevent further spread, security personnel have been deployed to prevent access to the affected houses. The administration has also ordered the distribution of meals and essential supplies to families within the containment zones to ensure their basic needs are met during the lockdown.

A crucial focus of the investigation has been the local water source in Badhaal, particularly a spring known as the ‘bawli.’ Following the deaths, authorities tested the water and found traces of pesticides and insecticides. In light of these findings, the spring has been sealed, and security has been posted to prevent villagers from using the water. The local administration expressed concern that some residents might attempt to secretly collect water from the spring, which could further expose them to harmful substances. Additional testing and investigation of the water source are ongoing to determine its role in the outbreak.

Health and government officials continue to investigate the cause of the deaths, with ongoing coordination between local and central teams. Toxic substances have been detected in biological samples from the victims, but the exact nature of these toxins and their source has not been identified. The investigation involves various departments, including health, police, and environmental experts, working together to trace the origin of the illness. Medical teams are stationed in the area, monitoring for any new cases and offering assistance to affected families.