Amid the Diarrhoea outbreak in Odisha’s Jajpur district, eight people have tested positive for Cholera, of 41 samples tested at the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) laboratory in Bhubaneswar.
The outbreak, linked to contaminated water sources, has impacted 10 blocks, with over 200 patients currently under treatment for diarrhoea-related illnesses.
Health officials, led by Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra, have launched a comprehensive response to contain the situation, including awareness campaigns, medical camps, and water purification measures.
The outbreak has primarily affected blocks such as Danagadi, Korei, and Dharmashala, where diarrhoea cases surged following the consumption of contaminated water, reportedly during a community feast. “The spread is largely due to contaminated water sources,” Mishra stated, emphasising that immediate steps are being taken to address the crisis. Over 200 patients are receiving treatment across various hospitals, though the number of new cases is gradually declining, indicating early success in containment efforts.
To tackle the outbreak, the district administration has deployed medical teams comprising doctors and paramedical staff to set up camps in affected areas. These camps aim to provide immediate treatment and educate residents on hygiene practices to prevent further spread. A central government medical team arrived in Jajpur on Friday, June 13, and is scheduled to visit affected areas alongside state health officials on Saturday to assess the situation and issue guidelines for further action.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), RMRC, and World Health Organization (WHO) teams are actively monitoring the situation, collaborating with local authorities to ensure a coordinated response. The Jajpur district administration has also cancelled leave for government employees until June 16 to ensure full staffing during the crisis. Additionally, with schools set to reopen after the Raja festival, authorities have decided to purify all drinking water sources in schools across the district to prevent further outbreaks.
Public Health Director Mishra has assured residents that the situation is under control, with health officials closely monitoring developments. A report has been submitted to the state Health Secretary, outlining the scale of the outbreak and the measures in place. The administration’s proactive steps, including water testing and community outreach, aim to curb the spread of cholera and restore normalcy in the affected regions.
As Jajpur grapples with this public health challenge, the swift response from state and central authorities underscores the importance of timely intervention in managing waterborne diseases.
Residents are urged to boil water, practice good hygiene, and report symptoms promptly to health facilities to aid in controlling the outbreak.
