Neurotoxins Identified in Fatal Mysterious Illness in J&K's Rajouri

The illness, which has claimed 17 lives since December, is linked to toxins including cadmium, as authorities investigate its source and implement containment measures.

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.