Odisha on high alert over diarrhoea surge; ‘10% samples cholera positive’

With diarrhoea cases rapidly increasing across Odisha, the State government on Tuesday held an emergency high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja. Health officials have issued alerts for the 30 districts and called for daily reviews, emphasising preventive measures and public awareness campaigns.

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According to sources, amid growing concern over the rise in diarrhoea cases in Odisha, the State government has issued an all-district alert and intensified monitoring efforts. A crucial meeting, led by Chief Secretary Ahuja and attended by senior Health Department officials, including the Secretary, Director, and Public Health Director, reviewed the situation.

All District Collectors participated in the meeting, during which Health Department officials presented data and updates. Health Secretary, Aswathi S, confirmed that alerts have been extended beyond the five initially affected districts to all districts across the State.

Cholera bacteria found in 10% samples

As per health officials, out of the total samples tested, the cholera bacteria (Vibrio cholerae) were found in at least 10 percent of them.

Between the morning hours and 10.00 AM, over 300 new cases were detected from five districts alone. The health authorities have instructed that all hospital-admitted patients be kept under 24-hour observation. Most of the new cases have been categorised as mild, with patients showing only minor symptoms.

The State government has activated awareness drives in the villages through microphone announcements and community outreach. ASHA and Anganwadi workers have also been directed to raise awareness and support early detection. Preventive measures will remain in force for the next seven days, during which state-level reviews will occur daily.

A central health team is currently on the ground. Discussions between state government and the central team are scheduled for tomorrow. While the central experts have confirmed that this is not an epidemic, all possible sources of contamination are being verified.

Besides, remaining 25 districts have been instructed to take precautionary steps, especially considering the ongoing monsoon season, which could exacerbate the situation.

“We conducted a detailed review of the situation in a high-level meeting with Collectors, senior health and other officers of the five affected districts. Mainly, we discussed the new admissions of patients and what the preventive steps are,” the Health Secretary said.

“As per the data available with us, we have approximately 300 new cases as of 10.00 AM today. However, we observed a positive pattern in it, that the categories are ‘mild’. It is a good pattern because people with minor symptoms are immediately coming to hospitals for treatment. That is a good thing,” the Health Secretary further said.

“We have already given instructions to District Collectors and district-level officers to keep disinfection and cleanliness activities continuing. ASHA Didis and Anganwadi workers will remain on toes,” the Health Secretary stated while speaking to mediapersons.