Cadmium behind ‘mysterious illness’ in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri? Here's what we know

A ‘mysterious’ illness has claimed 17 lives, including 14 children, from three families in Jammu and Kashmir this month, triggering widespread panic and calls for immediate medical attention. Initial tests failed to detect any bacterial or viral infections, and Budhal village remains a containment zone. 

Union Minister Jitendra Singh told the media on Friday that cadmium toxin had now been detected in the bodies of the deceased.

Singh reportedly told Dainik Jagran that the carcinogenic metal was detected during tests at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research in Lucknow. However, it remains unclear how cadmium entered the victims' bodies, and the matter is still under investigation. The minister also confirmed that no evidence of other viruses, bacteria or infections was found in the samples.

The mysterious illness first surfaced last month, with symptoms including fever, sweating, vomiting, dehydration, and episodic loss of consciousness.

What is cadmium?

The World Health Organization (WHO) tags cadmium as a ‘chemical of public concern’ due to its toxic effects on the kidneys, skeletal and respiratory systems. While low levels of cadmium are typically present in the environment, human activities have greatly increased its presence in soil, water, and air. 

Cadmium can travel long distances and accumulate in many organisms we consume.

“Exposures potentially of particular concern for children include disposal and recycling of electronic and electrical waste, as well as toys, jewellery and plastics containing cadmium….Human exposure occurs mainly from consumption of contaminated food, active and passive inhalation of tobacco smoke, and inhalation by workers in a range of industries,” the global health organisation wrote on its website.

‘Mysterious’ illness in Rajouri

Six patients from Budhal village currently under treatment at GMC Hospital Rajouri are on the road to recovery. The entire Budhal area has been declared a containment zone.

The government's health department has strengthened the Government Medical College in Rajouri after the ‘unidentified’ illness claimed 17 lives. Five child specialists and five anaesthesia specialists have been provided to GMC Rajouri. Advanced care ambulances are also ready at the hospital.

“I saw children die in agony in front of me... I appeal to the government to station air ambulances in Jammu or Rajouri, so critical patients can be airlifted for advanced treatment. Arrangements should also be made in PGIMER Chandigarh and AIIMS Delhi in case the disease spreads, causing a bigger outbreak,” said Budhal MLA Javaid Iqbal.

(With inputs from agencies)