Cause of “Mystery Illness” in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri Identified
Experts have now uncovered the source of the “mystery illness” that claimed the lives of at least 17 individuals in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. The deaths, which caused widespread fear and panic in Budhal village over the past month, prompted the formation of a special investigation team. Initial tests had ruled out viruses or bacteria. In the most recent development, Union Minister Jitendra Singh revealed that the illness was linked to cadmium toxin.
Speaking to Dainik Jagran, Singh explained that cadmium was detected in the victims’ bodies during testing at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research in Lucknow. However, the exact means by which cadmium entered their systems remains under investigation. He emphasized that no virus, bacteria, or other infections were found in the samples.
Cadmium is a toxic metal known to cause various health issues when it enters the body, often through polluted air or contaminated food and water. The illness caused neurotoxins to build up in the victims’ brains, resulting in swelling, according to Dr. AS Bhatia, principal of Government Medical College Rajouri. He stated that the victims’ common condition was brain edema, and that tests at labs like the National Centre for Disease Control and the National Institute of Virology revealed neurotoxic substances responsible for the damage.
Authorities have been managing the situation since early December when the first cases emerged, with 17 deaths, including 14 children, across three families. Six additional teenagers, including three siblings, have fallen ill in the last few days and are being treated in isolation at GMC Rajouri.
In response, more than 200 people who had close contact with the affected families were quarantined. Budhal village has been declared a containment zone, with relocated families being provided care and the district administration setting up specialized medical facilities. Dr. Bhatia confirmed that additional child specialists and anesthesia experts were deployed at GMC Rajouri to handle emergencies.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the region earlier this week, assuring residents that both state and central authorities are working together to determine the cause. An inter-ministerial team from the Union Home Ministry was also formed last week to investigate the unexplained deaths further.