An investigation is underway to ascertain what kind of toxin it is
An infectious pathogen has been ruled out as the cause of a mysterious disease that has killed 17 people in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri over the last month, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said. According to Singh, a preliminary probe points to unidentified toxins as the likely culprit.
"As per preliminary investigation conducted by the CSIR lab in Lucknow, it is not any infection, viral or bacterial in nature. Toxins have been found. Now, an investigation is underway to ascertain what kind of toxin it is," Singh told reporters.
The matter is being probed from all angles, and if any conspiracy is found, appropriate action will be taken, the minister assured.
Badhaal Village declared as a containment zone
Beginning in early December, more than 38 people have so far fallen ill in Badhaal village, prompting authorities to declare the area a containment zone last week Prohibitory orders on public and private gatherings have also been imposed to curb panic.
At least four villagers, close relatives of the deceased families, remain hospitalised in critical condition, health officials who are investigating the cases said.
Investigations are on to find the cause of deaths
The Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted an 11-member inter-ministerial team to investigate the mysterious deaths. The team reached Rajouri earlier this week, a day after a young girl succumbed to the illness at SMGS Hospital in Jammu.
According to doctors, all affected patients have reported symptoms like high fever, pain, nausea, intense sweating, and loss of consciousness, often leading to death within days of hospitalisation. Authorities have also sealed a water spring, 'bawli,' after samples from the spring tested positive for pesticides and insecticides.
News reports that the probe has been narrowed down to the identification of the toxin in food items. More than 200 food samples have been sent to institutes nationwide for screening.
Could the infection be due to neurotoxins?
Experts say neurotoxins are substances that cause changes in the function of any part of your nervous system—specifically the brain. These changes range from mild to severe and can be treatable or long-lasting, depending on their amounts. Neurotoxins cause neurotoxicity that results from exposure to excess amounts of normally nontoxic substances, like certain medications, or toxic substances like pesticides.
These substances also interfere with the transmission of nerve signals, causing a range of effects, from mild discomfort to severe neurological damage or even death. They target neurons—the cells responsible for processing and transmitting information in the nervous system.
While it is practically impossible to prevent all exposure to neurotoxicants since they are prevalent in your daily life, there are a few steps you can take to try to reduce your risk of exposure:
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and change the batteries yearly.
- Never mix cleaning products or household chemicals.
- Have your house tested for lead and other chemicals
- Keep your windows closed on days with bad air quality
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