Rayagada: A suspected diphtheria outbreak has claimed five lives and is now spreading in the Kashipur area of Rayagada district. At least 15 individuals have been affected so far.
Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra said that a total of 15 patients have been identified with the suspected diptheira.
A health team, led by Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) from Kalahandi and Rayagada, has been dispatched to the village for inspection. The health team is conducting house-to-house visits and a comprehensive survey to determine the cause of the disease’s spread.
Samples have been collected and sent for laboratory testing to examine. Patients are undergoing thorough treatments and receiving antibiotics in the process. The condition of the newly detected patient remains stable, with ongoing antibiotic treatment. Measures are also being taken to assess nearby villages, and vaccination will be administered if necessary, said Mishra.
Notably, CM Mohan Majhi on Saturday had directed health authorities to urgently investigate the cause of the five deaths in Kashipur and prevent further spread of the disease.
