Bhubaneswar: What began in the first week of June in Jajpur district has now spread from coastal to western Odisha. Although a few cases were initially detected in Bargarh, the condition remained stable there. However, Balangir district has now reported over 20 cases, with many patients in serious condition due to extreme dehydration.
Even after 13 consecutive days of diarrhoea wreaking havoc across half of Odisha, no concrete action has been taken by the state government. One district after another continues to report a rise in infections, and even deaths are increasing.
Notably, even in Balangir, the home district of the state’s Health Minister, the situation remains uncontrolled, yet there seems to be no direct attention from the Minister. Central teams and medical experts are focusing mainly on Jajpur and Bhadrak, while other affected districts remain largely ignored.
Experts have pointed to contaminated water and toxic food as major causes of this diarrhoea outbreak.
Second Death in Kendrapara District
Kendrapara, 19/06 (SAMIS):
Two people have now died from diarrhoea in Kendrapara district, but the local administration has shown no urgency. The number of diarrhoea cases is rising daily.
The latest victim was Manjulata Jena (46) from Chakroda Panchayat under Kendrapara block, who had been suffering from continuous diarrhoea. Doctors confirmed she was infected with the disease. Her elder son also became infected, and both were admitted to the hospital.
Due to the seriousness of her condition, Manjulata was transferred to Cuttack’s main hospital, where she died on Thursday. After news of her death, a health team visited Chakroda village and carried out sanitization efforts. Panic has now spread among locals, although the health team is working to raise awareness and calm fears.
An official from the district said that sanitation and healthcare measures are being intensified in the village, and people are being urged to drink safe water.
Earlier, another woman named Sajana from Shyamsundarpur Panchayat in Kendrapara had also died of diarrhoea.
Cuttack High Court Expresses Concern Over Poor Sanitation Amid Outbreak
Cuttack, 19/06 (SAMIS):
As diarrhoea and cholera continue to spread in various parts of Odisha, the Orissa High Court has expressed serious concern over the poor sanitation situation in Cuttack city.
An Advocate Committee highlighted the unsanitary conditions, contaminated food sales, and unsafe drinking water supply to the High Court. Taking the issue seriously, the High Court has sought a report from the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and the District Health Department.
The court has asked the authorities what corrective actions they are taking to control the spread of diarrhoea in Cuttack, where the disease has also been detected in some areas.
During the hearing of a related case, Justices Kumar Sahu and V. Narsingh issued specific directions and summoned reports from the concerned departments.
The court also ordered a factual status report (Satyapath) to be filed regarding the outbreak and measures taken, as the city’s waste management system and water quality are seen as contributing factors to the spread of the disease.