Diarrhoea outbreak grips Odisha’s Jajpur; 5 suspected deaths, over 600 infected

A diarrhoea outbreak in Jajpur district has recently claimed two lives and infected more than 500 residents, sources said on Friday. The total number of deaths due to diarrhoea has reached four in the district. Moreover, suspected deaths in Odisha have reached five since the outbreak on Monday. The total number of diarrhoea-infected persons has reached over 600 in the State.

Also Read: Diarrhoea death toll in Odisha's Jajpur rises to 4

Areas like Danagadi and Dharmasala remain severely affected, as medical teams scramble to contain the spread and treat the ill.

5 suspected deaths intensify public health concerns

According to sources, a serious diarrhoea outbreak that began Monday night in Jajpur has spiralled out of control, with suspected deaths rising to four in the district and infections crossing 500. The deaths intensify public health concerns.

Worst-hit areas include Danagadi and Dharmasala blocks, where over 500 people have been affected. The situation is grim in Jajpur municipal limits, Jajpur Road, Korei, and Bari blocks. More than 500 patients are being treated at various medical facilities in the district.

Patients are suffering from symptoms of acute diarrhoea, primarily caused by dehydration. Medical instructions have been issued for the door-to-door screening and treatment. The specialised health teams have collected water and stool samples from affected villages for laboratory testing, the Director of the Health Department said.

Three state-level medical teams have already visited the hospitals and vulnerable areas for an on-ground assessment. Meanwhile, WHO teams and Anganwadi workers are conducting household awareness campaigns.

In Dharmasala block, where the situation is slowly improving, 213 patients were treated in the past four days—148 of whom have recovered and returned home. Seven critical cases have been shifted to Cuttack SCB Medical College, while 58 remain under treatment.

Particularly affected are the nearby villages of Anjira and Mahisara panchayats, where diarrhoea cases continue to emerge. The district administration is distributing ORS packets and halogen tablets, and intensifying awareness campaigns.

Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra stated that contaminated drinking water could be the primary source of the outbreak, although definitive lab reports are awaited. The Health Department has submitted a report, and a review meeting is scheduled with the Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja today.

While some progress has been made, Mishra emphasised that the seasonal shift may have contributed to the outbreak and urged residents to use only clean drinking water to prevent further infections.

“Diarrhoea cases are declining and the situation is coming under control. We suspect that the disease broke out due to the consumption of impure water. We advise people to take safe drinking water,” the Public Health Director expressed.