India is investigating a mysterious disease that killed 17 people

Authorities in the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir regions are investigating a mysterious disease that has claimed the lives of 17 people, according to local media reports on Saturday.

The deaths of people, including 13 children, have occurred in the remote village of Badhal in Jammu’s Rajouri district since early December.

The Press Trust of India reported that the isolation of about 230 people in the village was announced earlier this week.

Amarjit Singh Bhatia, dean of the Government Medical College in Rajavi, spoke of brain and nervous system damage in all the deceased.

The Press Trust of India quoted Bhatia as saying, “The winter holiday has been canceled to deal with the medical emergency.”

The victims were members of three related families.

The federal government opened an investigation into Health Minister Jitendra Singh, noting that a preliminary investigation revealed that the deaths were not caused by any “inflammation, virus, or bacteria, but rather a toxic substance.”

“A wide range of toxins are being tested. I believe a solution will be found soon. In addition, we are investigating whether there was any attempted harm or malicious activity,” Singh told the agency.

In a separate medical incident, authorities in the western city of Pune recorded at least 73 cases of a rare neurological disorder.

Among those infected with Guillain-Barré Syndrome were 26 women, while 14 of the patients were placed on respirators, according to what the Press Trust of India quoted an official as saying.

The immune system of a person with Guillain-Barre Syndrome attacks the peripheral nerves, according to the World Health Organization.

The syndrome may affect the nerves that control muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness and loss of sensation in the extremities, while those affected may have difficulty swallowing and breathing.