After Jajpur and Bhadrak, diarrhoea spreads to Digapahandi in Ganjam

Diarrhoea has now gripped Odisha’s Ganjam district after Jajpur and Bhadrak, raising alarm among the locals. Several people from Digapahandi block have been hospitalised amid allegations of two deaths, prompting urgent investigation and water quality tests by health and sanitation departments, sources said on Monday.

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A wave of diarrhoea has struck Ganjam district, with Digapahandi block at the epicentre of the latest health scare. Several people from the S. Tikarapada panchayat have allegedly been infected and admitted to hospitals for treatment. The outbreak has triggered panic in the region, with residents alleging that two people have already died due to the disease.

While residents claim that diarrhoea is the cause of two deaths, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) has denied any confirmed fatalities due to the illness so far. The official emphasised that a detailed inquiry is underway and all aspects of the situation are being examined closely.

Following the outbreak, the Health Department promptly sent medical teams to assess the situation on-site. Along with them, officials from the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) department collected water samples from the affected areas and sent them for laboratory testing.

The district administration is focusing on identifying the root cause of diarrhoea outbreak—whether it is contaminated drinking water, poor sanitation, or seasonal factors contributing to the alleged spread.

Fear continues to loom over S. Tikarapada and surrounding villages, especially after news of alleged deaths circulated. The administration has assured the public that preventive steps, including awareness campaigns, medical support, and water purification efforts, are being intensified.

“Due to the ongoing season (monsoon), cases of cholera and dysentery are being reported in more numbers. Hence, contaminated water is to be avoided and proper hygiene is to be maintained,” Digapahandi health centre head, Suchismita Choudhury, stated.

“Since Digapahandi is centrally located, several cases are coming to us,” the official added.

Reported By: Satya