BSL-3 Mobile Lab, Expert team deployed to investigate cause of deaths in Badhaal Village

Rajouri : Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, on Wednesday visited Kotranka to assess the ground situation in Badhaal village, where seven people, including six children below 14 year age lost their lives due to an unknown illness.
In response to the incident, a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Mobile Laboratory has been dispatched to Rajouri. Additionally, a central team of experts has been constituted to assist J&K Government in investigating the cases and deaths in the village.
The central team consists of Dr. Raghavendra A Honnakamble, Assistant Director, NCDC, Dr. Kapil Goel, A.P, Epidemiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr. Suresh Kumar, Assistant Professor (Pediatrics), PGIMER, Chandigarh and An expert from ICMR (to be nominated by the institute).
The BSL-3 Mobile Laboratory is equipped to handle outbreaks of highly infectious pathogens. It plays a crucial role in early detection, rapid investigation, and the timely containment of diseases, ensuring the safety of the population during such health emergencies.
During his visit, DC Abhishek Sharma interacted with the team of experts, providing them with the necessary assistance and resources to ensure they could work comfortably and efficiently. He assured the team of full administrative support to facilitate their investigation and help identify the cause of the unknown illness.
“The administration is committed to ensuring a thorough investigation and providing immediate medical aid to prevent further loss of lives,” he said.
The Deputy Commissioner directed health officials to intensify surveillance in the affected area and adjoining villages while providing regular updates to the district administration and central team.