Badhal quarantine likely to end after SOPs from PGI, AIIMS

No new cases reported
Srinagar, Feb 08: With no new cases reported in Badhal village of Rajouri district, the quarantine imposed after the mysterious disease outbreak which claimed 17 lives is likely to end soon as final SOPs from PGI Chandigarh and AIIMS will determine the residents’ return.
In response to villagers’ recent protests demanding a timeline, an official told Rising Kashmir that SOPs from AIIMS and PGI are important for determining the end of quarantine.
He said that there are no immediate medical concerns but adherence to expert guidelines is must before allowing villagers to return home. “Everything is fine from a medical standpoint, but we must wait for the SOPs,” the official added.
The official also said that a minimum 21-day waiting period is necessary to break the chain of infection and ensure there is no further spread. “Last time, a new cluster emerged after 25 days, so we must be cautious before taking any further steps,” he added.
He said that teams from AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh are currently working on research, treatment protocols, and isolation guidelines. Until these SOPs are finalized, the quarantine measures in Badhal will remain in place.
He said they are waiting for their recommendations on isolation, discharge management, and treatment.
Another official said that there are currently no admissions in any of the hospitals and patients had even been examined by teams of doctors from PGIMER, Chandigarh and AIIMS, New Delhi here.
He also said that the health teams are stationed there to keep surveillance for any of the symptoms appearing in any person with whole population of the village screened by healthcare providers.
He further said that at present 363 persons from 60 different families had been quarantined with 592 animals being tended by the officials from Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments to safeguard their lives.
Pertinent to mention that so far no clue has been found regarding the mysterious illness whether it is linked to an infection, virus, or toxin.
Despite the efforts of multiple research teams, including specialists from AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh, no clear evidence has emerged to determine the source of the disease. Potential involvement of toxins is being investigated, but no conclusive data has been obtained to confirm the cause.