Bhubaneswar: A diarrhoea outbreak in Jajpur district of Odisha has claimed four lives and affected more than 500 people, prompting an emergency public health response from the state government, officials said on Wednesday.
According to District Collector P. Anvesha Reddy, a 70-year-old man was declared brought dead at Vyasanagar Hospital, while a 34-year-old died at the Danagadi Community Health Centre. Two more casualties were reported by the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer (CDM&PHO) Dr. Prakash Bal—Pabitra Das (45) of Baruan and Sebati Ghadei (75) of Malapada—who succumbed to the illness during treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.
The worst-hit blocks include Dharmasala, Jajpur, Danagadi, Korei, and Rasulpur, with hospitals overwhelmed by patients suffering from acute gastrointestinal symptoms.
The waterborne disease was first detected in Dharmasala on Monday night, officials said.
“More than 20 critical cases have been referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack,” confirmed Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Public Health.
In response, Odisha Health Secretary Aswathy S stated that a multi-sectoral team has been deployed to the affected region to determine the source of the outbreak. Additional medical teams and manpower have been mobilised, and house-to-house surveys are underway.
District officials have issued public advisories urging residents to consume only boiled or disinfected water. The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) department is carrying out disinfection of water sources in the affected villages.
“Food and water samples have been collected for testing. ASHA and Anganwadi workers are conducting door-to-door visits, distributing ORS, halogen tablets, and raising awareness on hygiene,” said Dr. Mishra.
Meanwhile, the district collector has visited local hospitals to oversee the treatment of patients and coordinated preventive measures.
Residents have been advised to maintain strict personal hygiene, avoid consuming contaminated food and water, and seek medical help immediately upon showing symptoms of diarrhoea.
