200 toxins under radar for mysterious deaths in Rajouri, say experts

Authorities are still struggling to determine the cause of the unexplained illness in Rajouri region, which has claimed 17 lives and left the Jammu and Kashmir region shaken. A senior doctor involved in the investigation revealed on Saturday that over 200 toxins are currently under investigation, and the health department hopes to make a breakthrough soon to identify the illness’ cause.

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In the past month and a half, 17 people have died in Badhaal village, Rajouri, and many others are being treated for the unexplained illness. The situation has prompted authorities to take significant measures to contain the spread.

“All samples have been sent to national laboratories across India. Regarding toxicology, at least 200 toxins are being investigated to determine the cause of the illness,” said Epidemiologist Dr Syed Shuja Qadri, Head of the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College (GMC), Rajouri. He further expressed optimism that within a week, the source of the illness would become clear.

“We are hopeful that we will have answers soon. Once we have clarity, we will disclose the findings to the public,” Dr Qadri said.

As of now, authorities have not established the cause of the deaths, he noted. Preliminary investigations suggest that the illness is not linked to any virus, bacteria, fungus or zoonotic infection.

Dr Qadri explained that when the third family was affected, investigators began to focus on potential toxins. When asked if cadmium could be the cause, as suggested in some reports, he stated that it was difficult to confirm, as the patients did not exhibit the usual symptoms associated with cadmium poisoning.

“We have narrowed it down to something that has been ingested, but it could have been accidental or deliberate. The police are also probing the matter,” he said. According to his preliminary findings, it appears to be an “acute intermittent exposure” that occurs over time. “This means that as individuals are exposed to the substance, they develop symptoms,” Dr Qadri said.

The primary symptoms observed in the affected patients include gastrointestinal distress, followed by neurological symptoms such as restlessness, altered sensorium, agitation, and, in some cases, sudden collapse leading to death.

On Saturday, GMC Rajouri reported that all nine patients currently admitted to the hospital are recovering and responding well to treatment. The two patients in the ICU are also “haemodynamically stable.”

“Over the past 48 hours, we have not received any new patients, and all the existing patients are stable and responding to treatment,” the official statement read.

“We are committed to providing quality healthcare services to all our patients at GMC Rajouri,” said the Principal in the communication.