Mass hair loss sparks panic in Maharashtra villages, polluted water suspected

In a baffling incident, residents of three villages in Maharashtra's Buldhana district - Borgaon, Kalwad, and Hingna - have reported sudden and severe hair loss, leaving many completely bald within a week.

Health officials suspect water contamination, possibly due to fertilisers, as the cause of this alarming phenomenon.

Men and women across these villages, located in Shegaon tehsil, have experienced rapid hair loss in recent days. Residents demonstrated on camera how even a slight tug could uproot hair, with some showing large bald spots that developed in just a week. The unusual condition has triggered widespread panic, prompting visits by senior district health officials to investigate the matter.

A team from the health department has identified approximately 50 individuals affected so far, with concerns that the number could rise. Samples of water, as well as hair and skin from the affected individuals, have been collected for laboratory testing.

Dr. Deepali Rahekar, a Shegaon health officer involved in the investigation, stated, “The issue could be linked to polluted water. We are conducting tests to confirm the cause.”

While waiting for test results, doctors have advised residents to prioritise health precautions and avoid potential exposure to contaminated water. The swift onset of hair loss has raised concerns about both environmental and medical factors contributing to the condition.