Bhubaneswar: Despite widespread awareness efforts, the diarrhea outbreak in Odisha remains uncontrolled. After affecting several blocks in coastal and northern regions of the state, the disease has now spread to Western Odisha. Numerous diarrhea patients have been admitted to Sambalpur District Headquarters Hospital, and there are reports of at least one death.
Though it has been over 10 days since the outbreak began in Jajpur, the situation in neighboring districts remains alarming. Over a hundred patients have already sought treatment at Sambalpur hospital this month. Previously, diarrhea and jaundice had created panic in the region.
A central team has already informed the state government that the spread of diarrhea is primarily due to contaminated water and food. In response, disinfection of water sources and raids on stale food have been carried out across the state. Considering the safety of Anganwadi centers, schools, and colleges, Bhadrak district has declared two days of summer holidays and is continuously monitoring the situation.
Officials including Dr. Neelakantha Mishra (Director of Public Health, Jajpur), Dr. N. Somalkar (Central Team), and Dr. Geetanjali (FSSAI) are present in Jajpur. In Cuttack, Dr. B. Dwivedi (Central Team), Dr. S. Mohanty (Additional Director, Health Ministry), and in Bhadrak, Dr. P. Ghosh, Dr. G. Choudhury and other health department officials are engaged in discussions to determine the next course of action.
State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling today reviewed the situation and preparedness for diarrhea containment in six districts. Through a virtual meeting, District Collectors of Jajpur, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, and Kendrapara participated in the review. Although the infection rate has started to decline, officials have been instructed to stay fully alert and continue active intervention.
Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been directed to conduct awareness campaigns for the next eight weeks. The Panchayati Raj Department is also disinfecting drinking water sources, and contaminated wells and tube wells are being sealed. The Urban Development Department has deployed “Jal Sathi” volunteers to ensure water safety.
In view of the Rath Yatra, the WATCO Director (Operations) has been stationed in Puri to oversee water safety measures in nearby urban areas such as Nimapada, Pipili, and Konark under Puri Municipality.
State and Central health teams are also visiting the districts to monitor the situation. From Mission Shakti Department, a joint expert team has visited Bhadrak and Jajpur, where the summer holidays have been extended by two and three days respectively.
Health Minister Reviews Diarrhea Situation in Six Districts
Joint Director Dr. Subhashish Mohanty has visited affected areas, where these teams are focusing on:
Disinfection of drinking water sources
Treatment of patients following proper medical protocol
Accurate data collection on patients
On-ground monitoring of outbreak trends
After field visits, the joint expert teams are working with core committees formed in the affected districts to coordinate effective diarrhea containment efforts.