But the proportion seems to be alarming as the disease has affected more than 50 lives in the villages of Chandanpur, Birnarsinghpur, Birkishorepur, Paramanandapur, Panchusahi and Malatipur across the district.
The reason behind the disease is suspected to be the consumption of contaminated water.
As per reports, the purification of water and its supply for drinking purpose in these areas is done by the department of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS). The RWSS department draws water from Bhargavi river, purifies it and supplies to these villages.
Hence, Puri CDMO Narahari Moharana has said that the reason behind the outbreak of the disease is due to the drinking of polluted water.
However, Abhay Kumar Biswal, Executive Engineer of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, has turned down the allegations.
Meanwhile, three other persons have died and 13 others have taken ill after taking stale and adulterated food at Purula village under Jharigaon block in Nabarangpur district.