Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], January 23 (HBTV): Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday provided an update on the mysterious illness in Rajouri, stating that initial tests conducted by a toxicology laboratory in Lucknow under CSIR indicated the absence of any infection, virus, or bacteria.During the inauguration of the newly constructed bridge at Basantpur, Singh revealed that preliminary findings indicate the presence of a toxin, which is currently undergoing further analysis.

'I think the discussion has started but the first test was conducted by a toxicology laboratory in Lucknow, CSIR. The discussion was that there was no infection, no virus, no bacteria, it was just a toxin. Now the toxin is being tested. So there is a long series of toxins that are being tested...and if there is any mischief or any other mischief, then we will know about it,' he said.

The disease that remains unidentified has claimed 17 lives and affected 38 people since early December 2024. However, health department teams say there is no need to declare a public health emergency.

(ANI)