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Amid a rapidly escalating health emergency across Odisha, five cases of jaundice have been reported from Brahmeswar Patna and Badagada Brit Colony in Bhubaneswar.
According to The Times of India, the numbers have been officially confirmed, even though unofficial accounts suggest the count may be higher. Notably, the emergence of jaundice in the state capital has deepened concerns over the state’s water safety and public health infrastructure.
The reports stated that Health and surveillance teams visited the affected areas, collected water samples, and began community-level awareness campaigns.
The Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) also inspected the locality following reports of fever and muscle pain among several residents, which later led to jaundice diagnoses in some cases.
The new cases point to the possibility of localised water contamination in the capital city, even as several districts across Odisha continue to battle a much larger outbreak of diarrhoea and cholera.
Statewide Alert as Cholera Detected in 10% of Samples
The State government has declared a statewide health alert after a surge in diarrhoea cases. A high-level emergency meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja recently to coordinate the response.
Data presented during the meeting revealed that over 300 new diarrhoea cases were recorded in just five districts as of Tuesday morning, with 10% of the tested water samples confirming the presence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for cholera.
All 30 districts have been placed on alert, and daily situation reviews are underway. Hospitals have been instructed to monitor admitted patients round-the-clock, and public awareness campaigns have intensified through community health workers and village outreach programmes.
ALSO READ: Odisha on high alert over diarrhoea surge; ‘10% samples cholera positive’
Jajpur Worst Affected, Children Among High-Risk Groups
Jajpur district remains the worst-affected, with several rural hospitals, including facilities in Danagadi and Jajpur Road, having reported a steady influx of cases, many involving children.
Meanwhile, ground teams have launched door-to-door campaigns, medical camps, and emergency sanitation measures to control the outbreak.
Mobile health units are distributing oral rehydration salts and educating residents on safe drinking water and hygiene practices. A 14-member central team comprising health experts is in Odisha to assess the ground situation and guide the response.
