Overview

• A mysterious illness in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, has resulted in 17 deaths, including 14 children, and affected 38 people since December 2024.
• Cadmium and other neurotoxins have been detected in victims' samples, with no evidence of bacterial or viral infections, according to health officials and toxicology reports.
• Authorities have quarantined over 350 residents from Badhaal village in government facilities, declared the area a containment zone, and prohibited public and private gatherings.
• Specialist medical teams, advanced care ambulances, and additional resources have been deployed to Government Medical College Rajouri to treat affected patients and monitor close contacts.
• An inter-ministerial team, including central and state authorities, is investigating the source of the toxins, with water and food supply chains under scrutiny.