RAJOURI, Jan 22: A puzzling illness has emerged in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, claiming 17 lives. Medical experts have been dispatched to the region to determine the illness’s origins.
Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, the Principal of Government Medical College Rajouri, noted that a significant aspect of the fatalities is brain involvement and nervous system damage.
“Forensic teams from Chandigarh and Lucknow, along with specialists from MHA, are conducting investigations. All deceased show signs of brain involvement and nervous system impairment,” stated Dr. Bhatia.
He also highlighted that a majority of those affected by this unidentified ailment are recovering. “Among the 9 patients admitted to GMC Rajouri, 5 have shown recovery. We have also performed preventive CT scans, although recovery is complicated once the brain is affected,” he explained.
“We are hopeful to identify the cause of this illness soon. We plan to inform the public and raise awareness about avoiding food exchanges and other precautions,” he added.
While the direct cause of the illness remains elusive, health officials have dismissed the possibility of bacterial or viral infections. Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, reassured the community that the health department, along with other agencies, is diligently working to comprehend the incidents better. (Agencies)
