Jammu: A mysterious disease continues to wreak havoc in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, with one more child succumbing on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 13.  

Since December 2024, a total of 13 individuals, many of them children, have died in Badhaal village, located in Rajouri’s Kotranka sub-division. The latest victim, a child, died while undergoing treatment at a local hospital.  

The ongoing crisis has instilled fear and panic among the residents of Badhaal village. The disease is not confined to a single household, with every family expressing concern for the health and safety of its members.  

High fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, and episodes of loss of consciousness are some of the symptoms reported. Despite medical efforts, doctors have yet to identify the exact cause of the illness and are providing only symptomatic treatment.  

Doctors suspect viral infection  

Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of the Government Medical College in Rajouri, stated, "Preliminary findings suggest it is a viral infection, but nothing can be conclusively said without final findings."  

To address the crisis, teams of specialists from the National Institute of Virology (Pune), PGI Chandigarh, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and AIIMS Delhi have arrived in Badhaal. These experts are conducting extensive field studies and collecting samples for laboratory analysis to determine the cause of the disease.  

“These teams are conducting extensive field studies and collecting samples for laboratory analysis. The involvement of these institutions underscores the severity of the situation and the commitment to identifying and addressing the cause,” officials said.  

Senior doctors and officials from premier hospitals in Jammu City have also visited Badhaal village to assist in investigations. State Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, is closely monitoring the efforts to identify the pathogen and ensure the effective treatment of affected patients.  

IANS