Odisha Public Health Director reviews situation in cholera-hit villages in Rayagada

Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra along with his team on Saturday visited the cholera-affected villages under Kashipur block in Rayagada district and Dasmantpur block of Koraput district and reviewed the health condition of the affected people.

The health team visited the villages and took stock of the situation. They talked to people and inspected the sources of drinking water, food habits, and state of hygiene in the affected areas.

Mishra directed the health workers to ensure proper food for the tribal children, proper sanitation and awareness in the villages. He said steps are being taken to rehabilitate the tribal students to nutrition rehabilitation centres and also stressed on intake of boiled water.

“We are taking all necessary steps to ensure proper treatment of the patients. All the affected people are in good condition. But, we will continue their treatment because they might be get affected again if they go back to the affected areas,” Mishra told the media persons.

The outbreak of cholera has sparked panic across the tribal villages as eight people have already lost their lives. The latest death due to the bacterial disease was reported from Kashipur area.

The deceased person has been identified as Arjun Majhi, a resident of Dengaguda village.

According to reports, the 50-year-old patient was under treatment for Cholera. He was discharged from the hospital and returned to his home on July 18. Again, he developed similar symptoms of Cholera following which he succumbed on Saturday.

While his family claimed that he died of diarrhoea, no official confirmation has been made yet by the district administration.

On the other hand, at least 36 people have been affected and are under treatment at different hospitals.