A suspected outbreak of acute diarrhoeal illness has claimed three lives in Dampur village under Gobindapur Panchayat in Ganjam district’s Sanakhemundi block. One woman remains critically ill and has been shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Sambaru Mallick (64), Khandara Mallick (60), and one other person whose identity is yet to be confirmed. All victims reportedly showed symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, commonly associated with waterborne infections like cholera.
In response, a medical team from the Sanakhemundi Block Health Office reached the village on Tuesday morning. The team has begun a door-to-door survey to trace additional cases and identify the possible source of contamination. Clinical and water samples have been collected and are currently under laboratory analysis.
Health officials are inspecting drinking water sources, food supply chains, and hygiene conditions. Preventive steps including the distribution of ORS sachets, antibiotics, and awareness campaigns on sanitation are underway. Temporary medical camps and water purification measures are also being considered.
Villagers have voiced serious concerns over damaged pipelines and inadequate sanitation facilities, blaming poor infrastructure for the outbreak—especially amid the ongoing monsoon season.
Authorities have deployed additional personnel to monitor the situation and are prepared to scale up the health response if more cases emerge.
