Three new cases of a ‘mysterious illness’ have emerged in the Badhaal area of Rajouri district, raising further concerns after 17 unexplained deaths were reported in the village over the past 50 days. An official stated that on Tuesday, a 25-year-old youth, Aijaz Ahmad, exhibited symptoms of the illness. He was initially treated at GMC Jammu before being shifted to PGI Chandigarh for advanced medical care. On Wednesday, two additional cases were reported from the same area, with both patients now being shifted for further treatment.
In response to the alarming situation, the Rajouri district administration has officially declared Badhaal a containment zone, imposing strict restrictions on gatherings. The District Magistrate’s formal order also mandates designated officials to oversee the distribution of meals to families within the restricted area. Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, visited the nearby Koteranka area to monitor the situation closely.
17 Deaths in 50 Days: Investigations Underway
The mysterious illness has claimed 17 lives in Badhaal over the past seven weeks, prompting widespread concern. While the exact cause remains unclear, investigations are underway at various levels. Government authorities have denied the presence of any virus or infection in the area. However, precautionary measures have been intensified, including sealing the homes of affected families and relocating their close contacts to GMC Rajouri for medical examinations. Healthcare teams have been deployed to the village, and efforts to identify the cause of the illness are ongoing.
The situation has drawn attention across the region, with local authorities under pressure to provide clarity and ensure the safety of the affected population.
