After Rayagada, Diarrhoea hits Nabarangpur's Nandahandi; 1 dies

Panic gripped the residents of Khadiaguda village under Nandahandi block of Nabarangpur district after diarrhoea claimed the life of one on Saturday. Besides, 15 more have reportedly been affected by the water-borne disease.

The deceased has been identified as Thabir Majhi. 

Sources said Majhi was affected by diarrhoea two days back. He was under treatment at Nandahandi community health centre (CHC). However, he succumbed during the treatment on Saturday.

On the other hand, the affected persons are complaining of vomiting, fever and headache. A medical team reached the village and took stock of the situation. Subsequently, the affected were shifted to the local hospital. The team also collected the water samples and sent it for examination.

Lack of basic hygiene, non-availability of clean drinking water and poor sanitation facilities are the primary reasons for the outbreak of diarrhoea, the team said. 

“The disease is spreading like wildfire. However, Asha workers and Anganwadi workers have distributed medicines and shifted the affected persons to hospitals. The disease is spreading due to consumption of contaminated water,” a patient said.

“We got information from the sarpanch and local people about the spread of diarrhoea. We have now set up a camp in the village. About 16 people have been affected out of which the condition of two people is critical. Necessary steps are being taken in this regard,” said Bikash Chandra Barik, doctor at Nandahandi community health centre.