Bhubaneswar: A severe diarrhoeal outbreak has claimed two lives and left over 500 people affected across various blocks of Jajapur district, prompting the Odisha Health Department to escalate its response on a war footing. The affected areas include Dharmashala, Byasanagar Municipality, Danagadi, Rasulpur, and Korei blocks, with officials confirming a grim situation as cases continue to surge.
The deceased have been identified as a 70-year-old man from Vyasanagar and a 34-year-old from Danagadi Community Health Centre, both of whom succumbed to the illness on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. District Collector P. Anvesha Reddy has confirmed the deaths and stated that an estimated 300 to 500 affected individuals are currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals.
Under the direct oversight of Health Secretary Smt. Aswathy S., field-level actions have been significantly intensified. Director of Public Health Services, Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, reported that rapid action teams (RATs) constituted at the district level are promptly attending to all patients and sporadic cases in adjoining places. Furthermore, two state-level RATs, comprising medical officers, microbiologists, epidemiologists, and a Joint Director from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, have been dispatched to the area and have commenced field operations in coordination with the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer, Jajapur. Dr. Mishra himself is also scheduled to visit the district with another health team.
Specialists from Maharaja Jajati Keshari Medical College and Hospital are overseeing the treatment of critical cases. Additionally, six medicine specialists from SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, have been deputed to the district to bolster medical manpower. Infected individuals are being admitted to Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Dharmashala, Jajpur Road, and Danagadi, as well as the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) Jajpur. Critical patients requiring advanced care are being referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, and the SCB Superintendent has been instructed to remain vigilant regarding their proper treatment. Hospitals in the district have been equipped with additional manpower and sufficient stocks of medicines, saline fluids, and injections to combat the disease.
Initial investigations by health officials strongly suspect contaminated water and food as the primary culprits behind the outbreak. Factors such as the consumption of spoiled or overly ripe mangoes and food from mass gatherings are also being investigated. Water samples have been collected from affected villages for rigorous testing to pinpoint the exact source of contamination.
In a concerted effort to prevent further spread, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) teams are actively engaged in disinfecting drinking water sources. Food inspecting teams and disease surveillance teams are operating at the ground level. Grassroot level service providers, including health sub-centres, ASHA karmies, AWC karmies, and multi-purpose health workers, have been supplied with halogen tablets, medicines, ORS packets, and awareness materials for distribution among the populace. Mass awareness activities, including mike announcements, are being undertaken by the district administration, advising people to take all precautionary measures, avoid outside foods, consume safe water, and adhere to hygienic practices.
The situation remains under close monitoring, with officials assuring the public that all necessary steps are being taken to contain the outbreak and safeguard public health.