Report

Experts have traced the cause of the “mystery illness” in Rajouri’s Budhal village to cadmium poisoning. The outbreak, which began last month, has claimed at least 17 lives and triggered widespread panic. Authorities formed a central investigation team after initial tests ruled out viral or bacterial infections.

Tests Confirm Cadmium Presence

Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that tests at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, detected cadmium in the victims’ bodies. However, investigators are still determining how the toxic metal entered their systems. He clarified that samples showed no signs of viruses, bacteria, or infections. “If foul play is involved, we will uncover it,” he stated. Cadmium, a highly toxic metal, can enter the body through polluted air, contaminated food, or water, leading to severe health complications.

Neurotoxins Caused Brain Swelling

Earlier, health experts linked the deaths to neurotoxins. Dr A.S. Bhatia, Principal of Government Medical College (GMC), Rajouri, reported that all victims suffered from brain swelling (edema). Tests at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, confirmed the presence of neurotoxins that caused brain damage. “We try to manage brain damage, but when patients arrive in critical condition, reversing the effects becomes impossible,” Dr. Bhatia explained. He assured that the health department continues to monitor the situation closely.

Authorities Strengthen Containment Measures

Since early December, Rajouri has struggled to control the outbreak, which has killed 17 people, including 14 children from three families. In the past two days, six more teenagers, including three siblings, have fallen ill. Doctors have placed them in isolation at GMC, Rajouri.

Officials quarantined over 200 people who had contact with the affected families. Acting on District Commissioner Abhishek Sharma’s orders, authorities relocated residents from Budhal to the Nursing College in Rajouri for better preventive care. They declared Budhal a containment zone and set up facilities for displaced families. GMC Rajouri reinforced its medical response by assigning five additional paediatricians and five anaesthetists. Dr. Bhatia confirmed that the hospital has deployed advanced medical technology to manage emergencies.

Government Intensifies Investigation

Authorities are ramping up efforts to determine how cadmium entered the victims’ bodies. Forensic teams and health experts are conducting detailed environmental and food safety assessments in Budhal. Officials are collecting water, soil, and food samples to identify possible contamination sources. Meanwhile, the inter-ministerial team formed by the Union Home Ministry continues to coordinate with state agencies to prevent further casualties.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Rajouri earlier this week, assuring residents that central and state authorities are working to find the source of contamination and prevent further deaths. Last week, the Union Home Ministry formed an inter-ministerial team to investigate the crisis, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Source: NDTV