An enigmatic fever outbreak has caused the deaths of 15 people in the Kutch district of India over the past eight days, raising concerns among local health authorities. The deaths have mostly occurred in the regions of Lakhpat and Abdasa, and so far, the exact cause of the fever has not been identified. Initially, the condition was suspected to be pneumonitis, but preliminary tests have ruled out several common infectious diseases such as Influenza A (H1N1), swine flu, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, malaria, and dengue.

Despite speculations, district collector Amit Arora confirmed that the deaths do not appear to be related to environmental contamination or a contagious disease. Nonetheless, the alert state has prompted authorities to implement preventive measures.

The state health minister of Gujarat, Rushikesh Patel, visited the affected area and reported on the readiness of medical resources. “We have prepared 100 isolation beds and 30 ventilators, along with BiPAP machines, at the Adani GK General Hospital in Bhuj to handle any emergencies,” he stated. Additionally, a team of specialists, including cardiologists and doctors, has been dispatched to the region to diagnose and treat patients early on.

Ambulances from the national emergency service have also been mobilized to transport patients to the designated hospital. The minister urged Kutch residents to seek medical attention at the first signs of illness, as the fever tends to worsen between five and seven days after onset. Authorities continue to investigate the source of the outbreak and work to contain its spread.