NVI Correspondent
Rajouri, Jan 20: In response to the outbreak of an unidentified disease that has claimed 17 lives and affected 38 individuals since December 2024, the health department in Rajouri is conducting an extensive door-to-door screening of residents. Health officials confirmed that 9,000 to 10,000 houses have already been screened as part of the ongoing investigation into the disease.
Dr. M L Raina, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Rajouri, provided an update on the district’s surveillance efforts, stating that teams have been working tirelessly to identify the cause of the illness. “We have screened approximately 1,600-1,700 houses in detail, and with door-to-door checks, the number of houses screened has reached nearly 9,000 to 10,000,” Dr. Raina explained. “Our teams have been conducting both active and passive surveillance and have deployed medical mobile units, along with a lab system to assist in testing.”
Despite the growing concern, Dr. Raina assured that there is no immediate need to declare a public health emergency. He emphasized that the results of viral and vectorological tests have been negative, further suggesting that the situation is under control.
Resident Surjeet Singh Thakur acknowledged the efforts of the health, police, and civil administrations, which have worked together in the ongoing investigation. “While the exact cause of the deaths is still unclear, we have ruled out bacterial and viral diseases,” Thakur stated. “Investigations are ongoing, and samples of food, water, and daily essentials are being collected. We are also considering the possibility of poisoning.”
In light of the mysterious deaths, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the formation of an inter-ministerial team, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, to probe the situation. The Indian Army has been deployed to assist in providing essential supplies, including food, water, and shelter, to the affected residents.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are committed to uncovering the cause of the deaths. Further updates are expected as investigations progress. ( News Vibes of India)
