Tests so far have ruled out diseases such as H1N1, swine flu, Crimean-Congo fever, malaria, and dengue-leaving experts wondering what the new mysterious fever is. 

The toll from what is being called a 'mystery fever,' affecting seven villages in Lakhpat and Abdasa in Gujarat’s Kutch district, has risen to 16 over the past nine days, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said on Thursday.

Reports said that all deceased patients experienced high-grade fever and low blood pressure, with some also showing kidney issues and low platelet counts.

District Collector Amit Arora said that 11 samples from the deceased have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune to understand the mysterious illness. Arora added that the deaths do not seem to be due to contamination or a communicable disease.

Tests so far have ruled out diseases such as H1N1, swine flu, Crimean-Congo fever, malaria, and dengue- leaving experts wondering what the new mysterious fever is.

The government has deployed 22 surveillance teams and additional doctors to Lakhpat, which borders Pakistan. The outbreak coincides with heavy rainfall and flooding in the region, with Kutch district receiving the highest rainfall in Gujarat this season-890 mm (184% of the average) as of September 10.

Earlier on August 1, the government reported cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in children under 15 years of age across Gujarat.

By July 31, 148 AES cases had been reported (140 from Gujarat, 4 from Madhya Pradesh, 3 from Rajasthan, and 1 from Maharashtra), with 59 resulting in death. The Chandipura virus (CHPV) was confirmed in 51 cases.

The governments have implemented various public health measures, including insecticidal sprays for vector control, public awareness campaigns, and the sensitization of medical personnel.