Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir's Health Minister, Sakina Masood Itoo on Thursday has dismissed concerns over a mysterious disease or virus following the tragic deaths of 13 people across three families in Rajouri district. According to Itoo, all tests conducted have returned negative results, and no new cases of a contagious illness have been detected.

Addressing the media, Itoo explained that when the initial deaths occurred, the health department swiftly responded by screening the local population.

"When five people died initially, the health department team went there and screened 3,500 people door-to-door," she said. After additional deaths were reported, the department called in teams from external agencies to continue the investigation.

No evidence of virus 

Itoo reassured the public that no virus or disease had spread in the region.

"If there was any disease, it would have spread by now. All the samples that were tested have come back negative," she said.

She further highlighted that tests conducted at the National Institute of Virology in Pune, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in New Delhi, and the ICMR Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory in Jammu all confirmed that no illness had been detected.

Impact on children

The health minister also revealed that of the 13 victims, 11 were children, which she acknowledged as a deeply concerning aspect of the case.

"Out of the 13 people, 11 are children who have lost their lives. I think it is not a disease," she stated, adding that the deaths occurred in three families in the village.

While Itoo ruled out the possibility of an epidemic, she assured the public that the authorities were taking the situation seriously.

"The deaths in these three families are of great concern, and the police and district administration will investigate the matter further," she confirmed.

ANI