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PGIMER Chandigarh team reviews condition of patients at GMC Rajouri

The toxin, identified by a national toxicology laboratory, is a highly hazardous insecticide known to be fatal to humans, raising alarms over food as the likely source of toxin in recent deaths and hospitalizations
12:33 AM Jan 30, 2025 IST | ZEHRU NISSA
pgimer chandigarh team reviews condition of patients at gmc rajouri
PGIMER Chandigarh team reviews condition of patients at GMC Rajouri
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Srinagar, Jan 29: All 11 patients of the latest affected cluster from Badhaal Rajouri remain admitted at GMC Rajouri, the discharge policy is being discussed and deliberated by the medical authorities with Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh team, currently visiting the medical college. Meanwhile, Ajaz Ahmed, the first patient from fourth cluster, has been received from PGI Chandigarh by GMC Jammu and is currently stable at this medical college.

Meanwhile,  a source told Greater Kashmir that a deadly neurotoxin, chlorphenapyr, has been detected in maize flour samples collected from households of affected families in Rajouri, including those who lost members to a mysterious illness. The toxin, identified by a national toxicology laboratory, is a highly hazardous insecticide known to be fatal to humans, raising alarms over food as the likely source of toxin in recent deaths and hospitalizations.

Authorities, however, cautioned that while the finding is critical, the exact toxin responsible for the fatalities remains under scrutiny. “Multiple toxins have been detected, some of which could be incidental. We are working to pinpoint the primary cause,” said the Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu Dr Ashutosh Gupta, without naming any neurotoxin.  From this GMC,  three female siblings were recently discharged after treatment. One patient, Aijaz Ahmed, the first to fall sick in the latest cluster, referred back from PGIMER Chandigarh, is reported stable at GMC Jammu.

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In Rajouri, 11 patients remain hospitalised at GMC, with none discharged despite eight being declared “stable and fit” for release. “We are awaiting final forensic reports expected in 2-3 days to confirm the toxins involved. Until we understand long-term risks, discharges are on hold,” said GMC Rajouri’s Principal Dr Amarjeet Singh Bhatia. A specialist team from PGIMER Chandigarh visited the facility to assist in framing a discharge protocol, bolstering rapid response strategies, and enhancing sampling methods to counter future outbreaks.

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The outbreak, which saw no new cases in the past five days, has left J&K on edge. While chlorphenapyr’s detection in maize flour marks a breakthrough, the two GMC Principals emphasized that investigations by “top agencies” are ongoing. Chlorphenapyr, banned in several countries for agricultural use, disrupts cellular energy production in insects and humans, leading to organ failure. Its presence in food staples suggests possible accidental contamination or misuse.

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“The priority is patient care. Identifying the toxin is equally critical to prevent further tragedies but it is not our job,” the GMC Jammu Principal added.

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In Badhaal, 17 people lost life to a mysterious condition, first thought to be a disease and later linked to a neurotoxin.  The victims belonged to three related families.  The investigation into the deaths is going on.

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