Politics intensifies in Odisha over diarrhoea outbreak in Puri

Kanas area in Puri has been affected by a diarrhoea outbreak, causing one fatality. Health officials reported that diarrhoea has been rampant in the area for around seven to eight days.

There were initial reports of three fatalities, but it has since been confirmed that only one life has been lost due to the outbreak, with investigations pending on the other deaths.

The outbreak appears to have originated from a community feast in the village and has now spread to approximately five additional villages. Currently, as many as 71 people are reportedly suffering from the illness. 

Investigations into the water quality have indicated contamination in the Daya River, with samples testing positive for E. coli bacteria.

According to the Public Health Director, the situation is under control now. Efforts to contain the situation include eight health teams including two from the State capital Bhubaneswar, working actively in the affected areas. Authorities have been applying super chlorination techniques at the river’s ghats to purify the water.

Furthermore, the government is providing safe drinking water in the affected areas, as confirmed by the Public Health Director.

“E. coli bacteria has been detected from the water samples. As many as 71 persons from five villages in the area have been affected by diarrhoea and one among them succumbed to the disease so far. Our health team has been alert and required treatment is being provided to prevent further spread of the disease,” said Director of Public Health Dr. Nilakantha Mishra.

Meanwhile, the outbreak of diarrhoea has stirred political tensions in the State, with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) slamming the State government’s response. 

Former BJD legislator Umakanta Samantray accused the government of negligence for not deploying health officials or ministers in the area in time.

“The public representatives didn’t even visit the place after nearly 10 days. The villagers questioned them about their responsibilities when they reached the place after a long time. There was no proper ambulance facility in the area and as a result, the patients suffered a lot. The Health Minister doesn’t even have the humanity to visit the area to take stock of the situation,” said Samantray.

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In response, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling denied these claims, asserting that the Health Department has been vigilant from the beginning, with teams administering appropriate treatments and preventive measures on the ground.

“After receiving the news, a team of health officials visited the area immediately. The Health Department has been directed to provide the required treatment, and medicines and create awareness activities in the affected areas. The government is fully vigilant and we have taken the matter seriously. 

Efforts are on to control further outbreaks of diarrhoea. I am monitoring the situation personally,” said Mahaling.