In a precautionary move, 350 residents of Badhaal village in Rajouri, along with close contacts of families affected by unexplained deaths, will remain in quarantine until mid-February. The decision follows the tragic demise of 17 individuals from three families due to suspected toxins, as reported by Tribuneindia.com.

Strict Quarantine Measures Implemented

Authorities have transferred the affected villagers to GMC Rajouri, a local nursing college, and a government school, where they are under strict monitoring by the district administration. Their food and water intake is being carefully supervised to prevent further health complications.

Sources revealed that these residents will remain in isolation for 21 days from the time they were moved to government-designated facilities on January 24. Despite extensive testing by national health experts, the exact cause of the fatalities remains undetermined. However, preliminary reports indicate the presence of toxins affecting the nervous system.

Medical Experts Investigate Possible Contamination

A senior doctor highlighted that isolating these individuals was a preventive measure to break the food chain. This step ensures that if the toxin was present in food, water, or another source, its impact could be mitigated. Fortunately, no new cases of illness have been reported from Badhaal village, a sign of hope for health officials and residents.

Government and Health Officials Provide Updates

Health Minister Sakina Itoo addressed the media, confirming that there is no evidence of a viral outbreak or contagious disease behind the deaths. She assured that an investigation is ongoing and that all quarantined individuals are stable and recovering.

Meanwhile, Principal of GMC Rajouri, AS Bhatia, stated that administering Atropine yielded positive results, preventing further fatalities. While Atropine was not used as a direct antidote, it effectively alleviated symptoms such as low heart rate, providing relief to affected individuals.

Authorities continue their probe to determine the source of contamination, urging residents to adhere to safety advisories. The situation remains under control, with healthcare professionals closely monitoring the quarantined individuals to ensure their well-being.