The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday described recent deaths in the Rajouri district as "mysterious," saying that investigations are ongoing and no definitive conclusions have been reached.

Health Minister Sakina Masood Itoo said that the deaths began in December 2024 but subsided by the first week of January. During a function in Badhaal village on January 9, she reported that seven children fell ill, and three later died. 

"Initial tests and samples remain inconclusive," she added.

A family in Badhaal village has been particularly affected, with three children from the same household succumbing to the illness. The condition of three other children from the family remains critical, and they are currently in isolation at a hospital.

The principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu said that senior doctors are monitoring the situation closely. He said expert teams from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi and the Institute of Epidemiology in Chennai are on way to investigate the cases.

"It is premature to speculate on the cause of these deaths," he said, adding that forensic laboratory results are still pending. 

Another senior health official added that no viruses or bacteria have been detected in the patient samples. “It would be premature to conclude anything at this stage,” the official said.

The deaths began on December 7, 2024, when five members of one family succumbed to the illness. Days later, three children from another family also died.

Symptoms reported among the affected include fever, sweating, vomiting, dehydration, and episodic loss of consciousness. Initial treatment was provided at a local health center before patients were referred to GMC Rajouri and GMC Jammu.

A senior health official said they are stationed in the village with a team of 50 health workers to manage the situation.

The authorities have collected 272 samples from the village to identify potential health risks. Meanwhile, locals have expressed concern and called for transparency. Family members of the deceased have urged the government to release postmortem reports and provide clarity on the cause of deaths.

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