Bhubaneswar: Odisha is currently battling a severe cholera and diarrhoea epidemic that has now spread across at least seven districts, with Jajpur district bearing the brunt of the crisis. The death toll due to diarrhoeal diseases across the state has tragically climbed to 21, while over 1700 individuals have been affected, with approximately 240 active cases currently under treatment.
Jajpur district, identified as the epicenter of the outbreak, has alone reported seven confirmed deaths and over 260 patients receiving medical care for acute diarrhoeal symptoms. Health officials have confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for cholera, in water and stool samples collected from Jajpur, validating the epidemic status.
The situation has prompted a rapid response from both state and central authorities. A 14-member central medical team has visited the affected areas, terming the situation as an “epidemic” and providing crucial suggestions on water safety, food safety, personal hygiene, and awareness creation.
Key Developments and Measures:
- Expanded Affected Areas: While initial reports focused on six districts, the outbreak has now been confirmed in Jajpur, Keonjhar, Cuttack, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, and Puri (Astaranga area).
- New Cluster in Cuttack: A fresh cluster of cases has emerged in Cuttack district’s Tangi-Choudwar block, specifically in Sundari village, where at least 15 individuals have been hospitalized.
- Government Restrictions: In an attempt to curb further transmission, the Jajpur district administration has imposed strict restrictions in high-risk zones, including Binjharpur, Vyasanagar, Dharmasala, Bari, and Binjharpur. This includes the temporary closure of hotels, food stalls, eateries, fast-food stalls, meat shops, and water packaging units for two weeks. Community gatherings, including weddings and feasts, have also been discouraged.
- Intensified Surveillance and Disinfection: The district health departments have heightened surveillance and water-testing efforts across all affected regions. Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) teams are actively disinfecting drinking water sources. Over 1 lakh water sources have reportedly been disinfected in the last three days.
- “Stop Diarrhoea” Campaign: Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling has launched a “Stop Diarrhoea” campaign, which will continue until July. The campaign aims to raise awareness about water-borne diseases and ensure door-to-door distribution of ORS packets, zinc tablets, and necessary medicines by health workers.
- High Alert and Medical Deployment: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed all health centers in affected districts to remain on high alert and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services. Adequate supplies of medicines have been ensured, and specialized medical teams have been deployed. Critical patients are being shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced care.
- Public Advisory: Health Secretary Aswathy S., who visited affected areas in Jajpur, has urged the public to exercise extreme caution. Strong advisories are being issued to avoid consuming street food, drink only boiled or purified water, and seek immediate medical attention upon experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, fever, or loose motion. People are also advised to adhere to hygienic practices and complete their treatment in hospitals.
- 24-hour Control Room: A 24-hour control room has been established under the Health and Family Welfare Department to monitor and coordinate the response efforts.
The situation in Jajpur remains critical, with daily reports of new infections, though there has been a slight decrease in the inpatient flow to hospitals recently. While no fatalities have yet been reported in other districts, authorities are working vigorously to identify and address the source of contamination to prevent a statewide escalation of the outbreak, particularly with the onset of the monsoon season. Food safety inspections are being intensified, and neighboring districts have been urged to remain vigilant and ramp up preventive measures.