Four dead, seven hospitalised as ‘unknown disease’ spreads in Koraput village

Fear has gripped Odapara village under Dashmantpur block of Koraput district following the outbreak of an unknown disease. In the past week, four people have lost their lives, while seven others are undergoing treatment at Koraput Medical College and Hospital with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting. The deaths occurring one after another have left villagers in panic, with a pall of gloom shrouding the community.

Health Officials’ Observation

According to officials of Dasmantpur PHC, the deaths appear to be linked to diarrhoea and vomiting. However, with the sudden spate of fatalities, villagers remain anxious. Some have even turned to local witch doctors for remedies in desperation.

Medical Teams On Ground

A team of doctors visited Odapara on Saturday to investigate the cause and provide treatment. The team was also expected to return on Sunday to continue the probe and monitor the situation. During their visit, health workers collected water, food, and garbage samples from households to ascertain the source of the illness. The findings are expected to reveal the cause of the deaths.

Focus On Clean Water

The Dasmantpur Medical Officer, along with ASHA and Anganwadi workers, has been conducting door-to-door rounds in the village, keeping close watch on residents’ health conditions. They are also spreading awareness about the need to boil water before consumption. As the village lacks tubewells and other reliable sources of drinking water, residents depend on nearby streams, increasing the risk of contamination.

With the cause of the outbreak yet to be officially confirmed, authorities remain on alert, even as villagers await answers over the sudden loss of lives.