No new cases of illness or death have been reported from Budhal tehsil in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir where 17 people died over the past two months due to unknown reasons. However, medical experts say the exact cause of the deaths will only be determined after top laboratories in the country complete testing the samples.
Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, told THE WEEK, “It can be said that a toxin is responsible for the deaths, but the exact type of toxin is yet to be identified. There have been reports suggesting organophosphorus poisoning, but until the final reports arrive, nothing can be confirmed with certainty.”
Cautioning against speculation, he said, “While there are claims that organophosphorus may have caused these deaths, I urge everyone to wait for the final results.”
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report from Chandigarh, which could provide critical insights, is expected in the next two to three days.
Dr Gupta raised concerns about potential future outbreaks. “What if another cluster emerges tomorrow? What would we do then?” he asked.
He said measures to provide food to the affected community, have shown positive results.
Meanwhile, three siblings undergoing treatment at GMC Jammu and SMGS Srinagar were discharged after they recovered from the illness. They have been sent back to Rajouri, where they are under observation along with their families and close contacts. Another patient, Aijaz Ahmad, receiving treatment at PGI Chandigarh, is also showing signs of recovery. Other patients admitted to GMC Rajouri have similarly recovered.
Suspicion of organophosphorus poisoning arose after patients responded positively to atropine injections, a standard antidote for such poisoning.
Organophosphates, commonly found in pesticides, herbicides, and nerve agents, can cause symptoms such as excessive salivation and tearing, vomiting, diarrhea, small pupils, sweating, muscle tremors, and confusion.
Samples have been sent to toxicology labs for screening against 200 potential toxins. The toxin responsible is expected to be identified within a week.
Over the past two months, 17 people, including 14 children, have died from the mysterious illness, while several others required hospitalisation. Authorities are maintaining strict surveillance in the affected village, focusing on identifying the cause to prevent further fatalities.
