Diarrhoea Outbreak in Jajpur: Health Officials Mobilize Resources Amid Rising Cases

Urgent Response to Diarrhoea Crisis in Jajpur District
Jajpur: In response to the recent diarrhoea outbreak that has claimed six lives, health officials in Jajpur district have initiated a comprehensive emergency operation. District Collector P Anvesha Reddy reported that over 500 individuals have been hospitalized from Tuesday night through Wednesday evening.
The fatalities include Sanatan Patra from Danagadi block and Tolaram Sharma from Marwadipada in Vyasanagar Municipality, who both passed away on Tuesday night. On Wednesday, additional victims included Anjan Jena and Janaki Mallick from Korei block, Madanmohan Mallick and Dillip Mallick from Barchana block, as well as Sudarshan Patra and Basant Patra from Danagadi block. Official sources indicate that multiple teams have been dispatched to the affected areas, including Dharamshala, Vyasanagar Municipality, Danagadi, Rasulpur, and Korei block.
The outbreak reportedly began in the Dharmasala region on Tuesday, leading to numerous hospital admissions across the district. Residents from Dharamshala, Jajpur Road, Danagadi, and nearby areas have also shown symptoms of diarrhoea. According to Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra, around 40-50 individuals have recovered and returned home after receiving treatment. He noted that approximately 20 critical cases are currently being treated at SCB Medical College and Maharaja Jajati Keshari Medical College, while others are being cared for at Community Health Centres in Dharmashala, Jajpur Road, Danagadi, and the District Headquarters Hospital.
Mishra confirmed that additional medical specialists have been deployed, and hospitals are well-stocked with necessary supplies, including medicines, IV fluids, and injections. Regarding the fatalities, he stated, "Two individuals have reportedly died due to diarrhoea, but the precise cause of death is under investigation." It is suspected that food poisoning may have triggered the outbreak, as many fell ill after attending a feast, according to Mishra. He also mentioned that two state-level health teams have been sent to the district to assist.
The staff and doctors from Jajpur Medical College have been assigned to treat patients, and preparations are in place to bring in more medical personnel if required. Mishra plans to visit the district with another health team to oversee the situation.
In the meantime, teams from the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) are actively disinfecting drinking water sources, while food inspectors and disease surveillance teams are working on the ground. ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and multipurpose health workers are distributing halogen tablets, ORS packets, and medicines. Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted to encourage hygienic practices and safe consumption of food and water.