A diarrhoea outbreak that began in Jajpur district has rapidly spread across multiple regions in Odisha, claiming 11 lives and affecting over 2,000 people.
The state government has issued alerts to all districts, mobilizing emergency health teams to control the situation.
The outbreak, which emerged around June 9, has now reached Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Kendrapada, Cuttack, and surrounding areas. Health officials have linked the majority of infections to contaminated drinking water sources, especially in blocks like Dharmasala, Danagadi, and Korei, where sewage leaks and damaged pipelines are being blamed.
Lab reports confirmed the presence of cholera bacteria in 10% of samples tested.
Government Response
Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena chaired an emergency review meeting and is coordinating with a central health team currently assessing affected areas. The state has intensified disinfection drives and is urging the public to:
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Use only safe drinking water
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Maintain proper hygiene
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Report symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea immediately
More than 40 mobile health teams, 45 health camps, ORS and zinc distribution points, and dedicated hospital wards in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are operational.
Three central expert teams, including members from ICMR, FSSAI, RMRC, and NHM, are working on the ground to manage the outbreak and prevent further spread.
