Medical Experts Link Neurotoxins to Mysterious Deaths in Rajouri, J&K
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Health experts in J&K's Rajouri district held a press conference to discuss the 16 mysterious deaths attributed to neurotoxins. They revealed common medical conditions among the deceased and the ongoing investigations to determine the cause of these fatalities.
Key Takeaways
- 16 mysterious deaths linked to neurotoxins.
- Common condition among victims: brain swelling.
- Authorities conducting thorough investigations.
- Tests showed no viruses or bacteria present.
- Special investigation team formed by police.
Jammu, Jan 18 (NationPress) In response to the anxiety and distress among residents following 16 mysterious deaths over the past month, health department specialists held a press conference in Budhal village of J&K's Rajouri district on Saturday, attributing the fatalities to neurotoxins.
The conference was co-chaired by Dr A.S. Bhatia, principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, and Budhal MLA Javed Iqbal Chowdhary. Other notable attendees included Dr Manohar Lal Rana, Chief Medical Officer of Rajouri; Dr Shamim Ahmed, Medical Superintendent; and Dr Zaeem Khan, Head of Chest and TB at GMC Rajouri.
During the briefing, Dr Bhatia revealed that all the deceased individuals exhibited a shared medical issue: brain swelling or edema. He provided insights into the treatments being administered to those affected and affirmed that the health department was vigilantly overseeing the situation.
The officials underscored that investigations are in progress, promising ongoing assistance to the community while striving to ascertain the cause of the fatalities. Dr Bhatia noted that the neurotoxins identified in samples evaluated by leading laboratories in the nation led to brain damage.
“While we strive to alleviate the issues for patients presenting with brain damage, it is crucial to note that once a patient arrives with severe brain damage, reversing the condition is not feasible,” Dr Bhatia stated.
It is essential to highlight that samples collected from the village were analyzed at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology in Pune, and other laboratories. Test outcomes revealed no presence of viruses or bacteria, thus eliminating the possibility of a communicable disease. However, tests confirmed the existence of toxins within the analyzed samples.
The fact that all victims of the mysterious illness belonged to three families raised suspicions of potential foul play.
The government has mandated an investigation by Rajouri Police to uncover the mystery behind the 16 deaths that occurred in Budhal village between December 7 and January 17. Rajouri Police have formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the case.
