‘Diarrhoea and cholera cases in endemic stage in Odisha’s Jajpur’

A surge in diarrhoea and confirmed cholera cases has sparked alarm in Odisha’s Jajpur district. The state Health Department is under scrutiny for delayed containment, as a visiting Central Team reviewed the situation on Monday and recommended urgent intervention strategies to control the outbreak.

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According to sources, concerns are rising in Jajpur as the diarrhoea and cholera symptoms continue to affect several areas, prompting questions about the effectiveness of the Health Department’s response. Despite efforts, officials have allegedly failed so far to pinpoint the exact source of the outbreak.

A 14-member central health team, after conducting on-ground assessments in the affected villages, has returned to Bhubaneswar in the meanwhile and held discussions with senior officials of the Department. They have provided recommendations on how to contain the situation and avoid further spread.

The team is also scheduled to visit more affected locations tomorrow for further evaluation. Preliminary investigations suggest the presence of Vibrio cholerae bacteria, along with other unidentified causes contributing to the spread of diarrhoea.

Officials have clarified that the outbreak is not a pandemic; rather, it is at an endemic stage, meaning it is persistent but localised. However, the Central Team has warned that the spread appears more widespread than initially anticipated.

Residents in the affected areas were urged to maintain strict hygiene and avoid consuming untreated water, as the authorities ramp up surveillance and response mechanisms.

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“Cases of cholera have already been confirmed. Laboratory tests are being conducted, and the caseload is being verified. We will go to the field once again tomorrow and thereafter give our recommendations. Accordingly, the state Health Department will take steps,” a member of the Central Team, Dr. Bhagirathi Dwibedi, said to mediapersons.

“We have seen there is an outbreak of diarrhoeal diseases, and that is due to something detected like the Vibrio cholerae. Now, the suggestions that we are giving are like water safety, food safety, maintenance of personal hygiene, and awareness creation,” another team member, Dr. Sibani Lahiri, expressed.