Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has directed the Health Department and Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) to probe the causes of the recent diphtheria cases in Rayagada district.
The direction in this regard was issued after the RMRC confirmed a death due to diphtheria at Manuspadar village of Kashipur block in the Rayagada district. It was the fifth case in the series of deaths suspected due to diphtheria.
A total of 21 cases of bacterial infection have been reported from these three districts so far. Samples have been sent for examination while special health teams are conducting surveillance and taking other precautionary measures.