Authorities in the Indian-administered regions of Jammu and Kashmir are investigating a mysterious illness that has claimed the lives of 17 people, including 13 children, in the remote village of Padhahal in the Rajouri district since early December.

The victims belong to three families that are related. Approximately 230 individuals in the village were placed under isolation earlier this week.

The Dean of the Government Medical College in Rajouri noted that all the deceased exhibited signs of brain and nervous system damage. Additionally, the winter holiday has been canceled to address the medical emergency.