1 dead, over 30 affected as suspected diarrhoea outbreak grips village in Odisha’s Bolangir

One person died, and over 30 villagers have been infected in the past two days after a suspected diarrhoea outbreak struck Sulekela village under Belpada block of Bolangir district. The situation has turned grim as several patients continue to battle dehydration and weakness in a critical condition.

Sources reported that eight patients in serious condition have been admitted to the Patnagarh Sub-Divisional Hospital, while one critically ill person has been shifted to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Bolangir, for advanced treatment.

Among the infected are men, women, and children, all of whom have shown symptoms of severe dehydration and fatigue.

Reports stated that the purported infection spread rapidly over the last 48 hours, with no source of origin known yet. However, locals allege that uncleaned supply lines have caused the infection.

“The health issues surfaced after we consumed the supplied water. We do not know if the water or the pipe is contaminated. Only God knows what has caused this,” said Kaeta Rout, a relative of one of the patients.

Medical Team Reaches The Village

Following reports of the outbreak, a medical team rushed to Sulekela to provide immediate treatment and assess the situation. Health personnel have been going door-to-door to check residents’ conditions, distribute oral rehydration salts, and administer necessary medicines.

Dr Pitabasa Saha, Sub-Divisional Medical Officer (SDMO) of Patnagarh, said, “Since yesterday, several cases of diarrhoea have surfaced from Sulekela. So far, 30 people have been affected, out of whom eight were admitted to Patnagarh Health Centre. We referred one patient to Bolangir DHH and also received one paediatric patient today. All of them showed signs of dehydration.”

ALSO READ: Ravenshaw University hostel scare: Over 15 students admitted to SCB after falling sick

Water Samples Collected For Testing

Though the exact cause of the outbreak is yet to be confirmed, preliminary suspicion points to contaminated drinking water. Health officials have collected water samples from the village for laboratory testing, and local authorities have advised villagers to boil water before consumption, informed sources.

As of the last reports, health officials are monitoring the situation and have launched efforts to trace the source.