Jajpur: A severe diarrhea outbreak continues to plague several areas of Jajpur district, leading to a mounting health crisis. As of Thursday, 9 fatalities have been reported with over 500 individuals affected, admitted to various medical facilities across the district.
The alarming spread of the water-borne disease has prompted the state health department to launch a rapid response, deploying multiple medical teams to contain the situation and provide urgent care.
The outbreak has primarily hit areas including Dharmasala, Jajpur Road, Danagadi, Sukinda, Vyasanagar, Korei, and Rasulpur blocks. Villages such as Baulamal, Matia, Raghunathpur, Pakhara, Chadhheidhara, and Dasarathapur have reported a significant surge in cases, overwhelming local community health centers. Critically ill patients are being referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment.
RDC Central Division, B Parameswaran visited hospital and talked to patients and family members. District Collector P. Anvesha Reddy accompanying RDC said that efforts are being intensified to manage the crisis.
Secretary Health & Family Welfare, S Aswathy said that Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra is overseeing the ground operations.
Suspected Causes and Remedial Actions: While the exact cause of the outbreak is under investigation, health officials strongly suspect consumption of contaminated water, spoiled or overly ripe mangoes, and food consumed during mass gatherings as primary contributors. Water samples have been promptly collected from affected villages and sent for rigorous testing to pinpoint the source of contamination.
In response, the administration and health department have undertaken extensive preventive measures:
- Medical Deployment: Four dedicated teams of doctors have been deployed to community health centers in Dharmasala and Korei, alongside additional medical staff from Jajpur Medical College.
- Supply Reinforcement: Adequate medicines, ORS packets, saline, and injections have been stocked in hospitals.
- Sanitation Drives: Rural Water Supply and Sanitation authorities have been directed to disinfect water bodies across the affected regions.
- Food Safety: The district’s food safety wing is implementing stringent protocols to curb further transmission through contaminated food.
- Public Advisory: Residents are being urged to consume only boiled and safe drinking water and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms. ASHA workers and Anganwadi staff are distributing halogen tablets and hygiene awareness materials.
The health authorities remain committed to bringing the outbreak under control and safeguarding the well-being of the affected communities in Jajpur as investigations continue.