TV
A suspected outbreak of acute diarrhoeal disease has struck Digapahandi block in Odisha’s Ganjam district, leaving one person dead and at least 20 others hospitalised in Ustapalli village under Sahadeva Tikarapada gram panchayat. The deceased has been identified as Das Sabar, a local resident.
According to preliminary reports, 20 people showing symptoms of severe vomiting and diarrhoea were admitted to Digapahandi Community Health Centre early Saturday morning.
Of them, 10 patients in critical condition have been referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced care. Health officials have not yet confirmed whether the outbreak is cholera or another water-borne infection; stool and water samples have been sent for laboratory testing.
Emergency Response Underway
Sources reported that fire services personnel were deployed to assist in dewatering operations in low-lying areas of the affected village, while health department teams began medical interventions at the community level.
District health officials stated that the situation is under control for now, and intensified monitoring is in progress. The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) department has initiated chlorination of all drinking water sources using bleaching powder and other purification agents across villages in the region.
Officials from the district health department have alerted nearby gram panchayats and have mobilised medical staff and supplies as a precautionary measure in case the infection spreads further.
Further, local ASHA and ANM workers have been directed to identify and report any new symptoms from households and ensure oral rehydration therapy is administered where necessary.
As of the last reports, a medical team is scheduled to arrive shortly to conduct epidemiological surveys and reinforce door-to-door health check-ups.
Statewide Surge in Water-Borne Infections
The incident in Digapahandi comes amid a growing public health crisis in Odisha, where cases of cholera and diarrhoea have been reported from at least six districts.
About two weeks ago, Jajpur recorded seven deaths linked to confirmed cholera, with over 260 undergoing treatment. The disease has also spread to Keonjhar, Cuttack, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, and Dhenkanal, raising concerns of a statewide epidemic.
