Minor girl dies, her 5 siblings under treatment after mysterious illness

Rajouri, Jan 12: A five years old minor girl died while her five siblings are under treatment in hospitals of Rajouri and Jammu in a fresh case of mysterious illness that has taken place in Badhaal village of Kotranka sub division in Rajouri district.

This is third such case of mysterious illness that has taken place from this village where earlier nine people from two families. In one family a man and his four children died and in another family a woman and her three children died in second week of December.

These six siblings, children of Mohammad Aslam resident of Badhaal, are in close relation with family of Fazal Hussain resident of Budhaal who alongwith four children died December 8 due to this mysterious illness.

Officials of Health Department told that three siblings, two sisters and one brother, developed symptoms including fever, vomiting, partial unconscious in their house in the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday after which trio were shifted to CHC Kandi.

"They were referred to GMC Associated Hospital Rajouri where doctors provided medical aid and two of the siblings were referred to GMC Jammu's SMGS Hospital," officials said.

During treatment at Jammu hospital, eight years old Nabeena Kouser breathed her last and died while her body has been shifted to isolation for necessary examination, medico-legal formalities.

Alongside it, three siblings of deceased are under treatment in SMGS Hospital Shalamar Jammu while two were under treatment in GMC Associated Hospital Rajouri from where they referred to GMC Jammu on Sunday late evening hours.

Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma said that a nine years old baby girl died while her five siblings are under treatment. "We have unfortunately lost a minor girl while her five siblings are under treatment with three in Jammu Shalamar Hospital and two were in GMC Associated Hospital Jammu earlier and now referred to Jammu," Deputy Commissioner Rajouri further said.

Meanwhile, DIG Rajouri-Poonch, Tejinder Singh, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, and Senior Superintendent of Police, Gaurav Sikarwar also visited Badhaal to assess the prevailing ground situation and ensure immediate support to the community.

"As part of the relief measures, the DC Rajouri deployed ambulances, health teams and ASHA workers to provide essential medical assistance to the residents. Furthermore, other departments have been activated to ensure seamless coordination and cooperation with the general public," District Administration Rajouri said in its official statement.

Samples have been collected from ill patients and investigations have been initiated to determine the cause of the ailments, it said. The administration is closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary action based on the outcome of the investigations. The general public is advised not to panic and to follow any advisories issued by the authorities.

It is pertinent to mention that, apart from health teams, the police has also started a fresh investigation in this matter. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with the locals to understand their immediate concerns and emphasized the importance of timely intervention and joint departmental efforts to address their needs.

SSP Gaurav Sikarwar assured the residents of enhanced security measures and prompt action on any emergent issues.