What caused the mystery illness in IIOJK's Rajouri that killed 17 people?

The mysterious illness has claimed at least 17 lives in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district

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The "mystery illness" that has claimed at least 17 lives, including 14 children, in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) Rajouri district has been linked to cadmium poisoning, experts confirmed.

The illness, which sparked widespread panic in Budhal village over the past month, prompted a high-level investigation by both state and central authorities, according to Indian media reports.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh provided an update, revealing that tests conducted at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research in Lucknow detected cadmium in the bodies of the victims.

While investigations continue into how the toxic metal entered the victims' systems, Singh assured the public that no viruses, bacteria, or infections were found in the victims' samples.

“If there is any mischief, then we will know about it,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of the ongoing inquiry.

Cadmium, a highly toxic metal, can cause various health issues, particularly affecting the kidneys and nervous system. Poisoning can occur through contaminated air, food, or water, though the exact source in this case remains under investigation.

Earlier findings had pointed to neurotoxins as the cause of death.

Dr. AS Bhatia, principal of Government Medical College (GMC), Rajouri, stated that victims had common symptoms of brain swelling or edema.

Test results from labs like the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Institute of Virology confirmed the presence of neurotoxins, which caused irreversible brain damage in the victims.

Since early December, authorities have been working tirelessly to contain the outbreak. In addition to the 17 confirmed deaths, six more teenagers have fallen ill in recent days, further increasing concern.

Authorities have quarantined over 200 individuals who were in close contact with affected families and declared Budhal a containment zone to prevent the illness from spreading.

GMC Rajouri has bolstered its response, adding more child specialists and anesthesia experts to handle emergencies.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Rajouri to assure the public that both state and central authorities are working in tandem to investigate the cause of the deaths and prevent further harm.

An inter-ministerial team was formed last week by the Union Home Ministry to assist with the ongoing probe into the mysterious deaths, which have left the region in fear and uncertainty.