Diarrhoea outbreak spreads across Odisha, alerts issued to all districts

A diarrhoea outbreak that initially surfaced in Jajpur district has now spread to multiple districts across Odisha, triggering a statewide health alert. Initially emerging in Jajpur around June 9, the outbreak has since spread to Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Kendrapada, Cuttack, and other areas.

Many infections have been linked to contaminated drinking water sources, particularly in blocks like Dharmasala, Danagadi, Korei—with sewage leaks and exposed pipelines cited as major risk factors.

Health officials have reported a steady rise in the number of affected individuals, prompting the state government to issue cautionary directives to all district administrations. 

Death Tolls & Infection

The outbreak has claimed at least 11 lives (with earlier reports stating 5–7 deaths), and affected over 2,000 individuals statewide—most cases concentrated in Jajpur.

According to health department sources, laboratory analysis of the collected samples has confirmed the presence of cholera bacteria in 10% of the tested cases.

Odisha Government’s Response

Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena chaired a high-level emergency meeting on Tuesday to review the situation. He is also scheduled to hold discussions today with the visiting central health team that recently conducted on-ground assessments in the affected areas.

In response to the escalating health crisis, disinfection drives have been intensified in rural pockets, with special focus on water sources. Officials have urged citizens to use safe drinking water, maintain hygiene, and immediately report any diarrhea or vomiting symptoms to nearby health centres.

The state government is closely monitoring the situation and has assured that adequate medical supplies and response teams are in place to tackle any further escalation.

Three central expert teams and a 14-member central medical team have been deployed, including members from ICMR, FSSAI, RMRC, and NHM. Moreover, 40+ mobile health teams, 45+ health camps, ORS & zinc corners, and dedicated wards in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack hospitals are reportedly operational.