In a health crisis that has left many perplexed, several villages in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district have reported sudden and severe hair loss among residents, leaving many completely bald in just a few days. The unexplained condition has triggered widespread panic, with authorities launching investigations into its cause.
As many as 30 to 40 people from Kalvad, Bondgaon, and Hingna villages in Shegaon tehsil have reported significant hair loss, prompting the district health department to step in. Among the affected are men, women, and children, with locals dubbing the phenomenon the "Baldness Virus."
Residents described the condition as alarming and rapid. A simple tug on the hair was enough to pull it out, and bald patches appeared within days. Rama Patil Tharkar, Sarpanch of one of the villages, told Times Now, “A strange disease has spread in my village for the last ten days, where citizens are losing their hair. There’s fear among villagers. We have about 20 patients here, and their hair comes out easily on touch. I informed the District Health Officer about this three days ago.”
One elderly woman affected by the condition told India Today that she had been experiencing hair loss since Sunday and now keeps her fallen hair stored in a bag. A young man also reported a receding hairline and worsening symptoms over the past ten days.
In some cases, the fear of further hair loss has driven individuals to shave their heads entirely.
The alarming situation prompted a swift response from the district health authorities. Dr Deepali Bahekar, Shegaon’s health officer, confirmed that medical treatment had begun for those affected. “The department has started medical treatment of the patients as per the symptoms, and advice from skincare specialists is being taken,” she told reporters.
District Health Officer Dr Amol Geete stated that initial investigations indicated a fungal infection as the likely cause. “Around 99 per cent of the cases show a fungal infection of the scalp, which causes hair fall,” he said, according to India Today.
He added that water samples from the affected villages had been sent for testing to check for possible contamination. “We are also testing the water for heavy metals, as they can exacerbate fungal infections. Skin samples from 2-4 patients will be sent to Akola Medical College for microscopy,” he said.
The affected villages are situated in the Purna river basin, a region already known for its saline soil and poor water quality. Previous reports flagged excessive fluoride and fertiliser content in the groundwater, raising concerns about its role in the current crisis.
Local authorities believe the water quality may be a contributing factor, with heavy metal contamination potentially worsening the fungal infections.
Health officials conducted a survey of the villages and identified around 50 cases of hair loss so far, with fears that the number could rise. Residents have been advised to prioritise health precautions while awaiting test results.
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