Mystery Illness Kills 12 in Indian Village

A deadly, unexplained illness has struck the village of Chayansa in India's Palwal district, claiming the lives of at least 12 residents and sickening many others. As of February 19, 2026, medical teams are actively investigating the mysterious outbreak that began around January 27, 2026. Initial screenings of over 600 villagers have identified almost 20 confirmed cases of Hepatitis B and C, with four fatalities directly linked to Hepatitis B.

Reported symptoms range from fever and cough to vomiting, with officials noting several deaths attributed to severe liver infections and multiple organ failure. Residents have voiced concerns that contaminated drinking water may be the source, as water quality tests showed 23 out of 107 samples failed to meet standards. Many locals are now reportedly avoiding communal water sources due to contamination fears.

The first reported victim, a 14-year-old, died on January 27, 2026, within a day of hospitalization, with doctors later indicating liver failure. Tragically, another 15-year-old died on February 3, 2026, after experiencing fever and stomach pain, followed by a 65-year-old on February 4, 2026, who also suffered liver damage. Health officials are urging prompt medical attention for anyone exhibiting symptoms and continue to investigate the exact cause of this alarming outbreak.