Health concerns heighten as waterborne diseases spread tentacles in Balasore

The outbreak of jaundice and diarrhoea in Balasore municipal limits is stirring concern among locals. The number of cases has been steadily rising, particularly impacting children between the ages of six and 16.

Also Read: Jaundice spreads its tentacles in Cuttack: Resentment brews over ‘lackadaisical’ attitude of administration

These illnesses have been linked to the consumption of contaminated water, prompting local public health authorities to reassure the community that the situation remains under control and there is no cause for alarm.

In Ward No. 10, community health workers (Asha Didis) are actively engaging with residents to improve disease awareness. They are distributing oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets and are advising families to boil water prior to consumption.

Despite previous interventions by health teams that involved collecting blood samples and administering medication, the incidence of jaundice has yet to be effectively contained.

Swift medical attention demanded

Residents have urged for immediate deployment of medical teams to the affected areas to ensure swift medical attention to those in need. Reports suggest that the concurrent spread of jaundice and diarrhoea is due to contaminated water sources.

Concerns were raised over the potential contamination resulting from water pipes passing through drains.  However, the district public health engineer rejected these claims.

The district public health department maintains that the situation is manageable, urging residents to remain calm. Instructions have been issued to ensure the provision of clean drinking water through coordinated efforts from the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and municipality officials.

Prompt action is deemed crucial to prevent the health crisis from escalating. Authorities are called upon to remain vigilant and enforce necessary preventive measures.

Must Read: District admin responds after 4 deaths due to 'diarrhoea’ in Puri’s Kanas block

“Several pipelines have passed through drains. Hence, due to any leakage in some of those, drain water is mingling with the piped water and causing infections. We have been sending drinking water to the affected areas through tankers,” Balasore Municipality Chairperson Sabita Sahu said.

Reported By: Prakash Mohanty