Cholera Outbreak in Jajpur: Authorities Take Urgent Measures Amid Rising Cases
Diarrhoea Fatalities Rise in Jajpur District
In Jajpur district, Odisha, the number of diarrhoea-related deaths has reached five, following the latest report of a fatality on Saturday, according to local officials.
In response to the outbreak, the district administration has decided to cancel the Raja festival holidays for government employees due to the emergence of new cases in three separate locations.
The district collector issued an order stating, "Given the diarrhoea outbreak in various areas, holidays from June 14 to 16 are cancelled. All government offices in Jajpur will operate normally, and staff will be deployed as needed."
Chief District Medical Officer Prakash Chandra Bal confirmed that the death toll has increased to five after one more person died on Friday.
Public Health Director Dr. Nilakant Mishra reported that out of 41 stool samples collected, eight tested positive for cholera in the district. However, he reassured that the situation is manageable due to effective awareness campaigns, preventive measures, and prompt treatment.
During a review meeting on Friday, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja instructed neighboring districts to stay vigilant against the spread of waterborne diseases. He emphasized the need for health authorities to enhance efforts to prevent and control diseases like cholera, diarrhoea, jaundice, malaria, and dengue as the monsoon season approaches.
Ahuja also urged officials to complete sanitation initiatives within ten days and to adopt a more proactive approach in managing water and vector-borne diseases. He recommended conducting house-to-house surveys to identify cases, increasing hospital bed availability, ensuring proper treatment, and providing necessary medications and saline.
Additionally, the Chief Secretary directed the Health and Family Welfare department to deploy mobile health units to educate the public about waterborne diseases.
Officials indicated that over 750 individuals have been affected by waterborne illnesses in the past four days. Currently, nearly 300 patients are receiving treatment in various hospitals, while approximately 450 have been discharged after recovery.
The CDMO noted that the situation is gradually improving, with over 450 patients discharged in the last three days, although around 20 new admissions were recorded on Friday. Approximately 30 critically ill patients are being treated at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.