Baldness Virus outbreak: In Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, resident of several villages are struggling with a mysterious condition that has led to rapid hair loss. Over 190 people from 12 villages of Shegaon taluka have reported baldness among children, men and women starting from the age of 4.
The alarming phenomenon dubbed as ‘Baldness virus’ has caused widespread panic and prompting health authorities to investigate the underlying causes. According to a report by Times of India, some people have gone bald in just three days. Reportedly, over 190 people have been affected so far, with symptoms also reported in at least 400 others across 15 villages in the Shegaon tehsil.
A report by Hindustan Times citing preliminary investigations reveal that analysis of hair, scalp and nail samples have ruled out a fungal infection as the cause of the mysterious “bald virus”.
Moreover, experts from ICMR and AIIMS have collected samples to investigate the extreme hair loss condition. Last week, Prataprao Jadhav, union minister of state for AYUSH and health, on Saturday visited the affected villages, including Pahurjira, Kalwad, Kathora, Bhongaon and Bondgaon. During his visit, he interacted with the affected residents, assuring them of swift action.
Meanwhile, district officials are have initiated multiple measures, including testing water sources and other environmental factors. Groundwater samples from affected villages were analysed by the Groundwater Survey and Development Agency in Buldhana, with additional testing conducted at a private NABL-certified laboratory in Nashik, Hindustan Times reported.
The report, received on January 11, revealed no traces of arsenic, lead, mercury or cadmium in the samples. However, elevated nitrate levels were found in 14 of the 31 samples tested. Following which gram panchayats in the affected villages have been advised to avoid using water sources with high nitrate levels until further notice.
Health officials are have started symptomatic treatment for patients at Primary Health Centres.
What are the symptoms of ‘Baldness Virus’?
This condition reportedly starts off with a feeling of itching around the scalp, which is quickly followed by significant hair loss.
How to prevent hair loss?
Here are some tips to prevent excessive hair loss:
- Maintain scalp hygiene
- Refrain from hairstyles that pull on the hair roots
- Consume a diet rich in vitamins and minerals
- Avoid excessive use of hair products containing harsh chemicals
- Seek medical advice if experiencing sudden hair loss to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.