New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir is currently affected by a mysterious illness that has claimed 17 lives in Badhaal village, Rajouri district. 38 people have been infected since December 2024 but the cause of the same remains undetermined. On Sunday, an investigation was carried out in the region regarding the deaths that have affected three families in the village. Tests at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Institute of Virology, Pune, ruled out viral or bacterial infections as possibilities. It was also found that the same is not a communicable disease, rather, neurotoxins were found to be the culprit. The patients who succumbed to it complained of the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Pain
- Fever
- Loss of consciousness
What are neurotoxins?
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Ram Murti Sharma, Medical Superintendent at Sharda Hospital, explained what neurotoxins are.
“Substances known as neurotoxins have the potential to harm the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. They disturb normal neuronal function, which frequently results in a breakdown in nerve cell-to-nerve cell transmission. Symptoms of this might range from minor pain to serious, potentially fatal problems. Chemicals, biological materials, and environmental contaminants are only a few of the many varieties of neurotoxins that can harm people by direct touch, ingestion, or inhalation,” said Dr Sharma.
Symptoms of Exposure to Neurotoxins
The kind of neurotoxic, the dosage, and the length of exposure can all have a significant impact on the symptoms of exposure. Headache, lightheadedness, and nausea are possible early symptoms. People may suffer from tingling feelings, numbness, muscle weakness, and trouble coordinating as the poison has a more significant effect on the neurological system. Seizures, memory loss, cognitive decline, respiratory failure, paralysis, and even death are possible outcomes of severe cases. In certain situations, symptoms may not show up right away but may gradually manifest with repeated exposure.
Exposure to neurotoxins can come from a variety of sources, and the risk is increased by several substances. Chemicals and pesticides are among the most frequent causes. Numerous industrial compounds, including heavy metals like lead and mercury, and agricultural chemicals like organophosphates, have neurotoxic qualities. These drugs have the potential to disrupt the nervous system, resulting in several symptoms and health problems. By taking several precautions, it is crucial to reduce contact with dangerous compounds to avoid neurotoxic exposure. This entails utilizing natural or organic pesticide substitutes, donning protective gear like masks and gloves while dealing with industrial chemicals or in dangerous settings, and making sure spaces with potentially harmful vapors have enough ventilation.
People in high-risk industries should undergo regular health examinations to screen for early indications of exposure, and appropriate food handling practices, such as properly storing and heating food, can lower the risk of foodborne neurotoxins. People can greatly lower their risk of coming into contact with neurotoxins by adopting these safety measures.
Exposure to neurotoxins can come from a variety of sources, and the risk is increased by several substances. Chemicals and pesticides are among the most frequent causes. Numerous industrial compounds, including heavy metals like lead and mercury, and agricultural chemicals like organophosphates, have neurotoxic qualities. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
