Diarrhea Epidemic Spreads in Odisha's Jajpur: Five Deaths Reported as Over 700 Infected

In a disturbing development, the state of Odisha has been hit by a massive surge in diarrhea cases in Jajpur district over the past week. As many as five people have lost their lives, and more than 700 individuals affected across different blocks of the district.

According to officials, teams from the state health department, Centre, and World Health Organisation (WHO) are conducting a door-to-door survey to identify the cause of the outbreak, which has hit both rural and urban areas. The situation is being closely monitored to prevent further spread of the disease.

The infected patients, most of whom have symptoms related to diarrhea, are being treated at different hospitals in Jajpur district. According to official sources, around 200 critical cases are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the district, with another 70 patients referred to hospitals in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar for further care.

Regional health officials confirmed that six blocks, including Jajpur Sadar, Byasanagar, and others, have been severely affected by the outbreak. Health teams are collecting samples of stool, urine, blood, and water from infected individuals in an effort to identify the root cause of the outbreak.

So far, five deaths have been reported, with three others under verification. The victims have been identified as Sudarshan Patra, Basant Patra, Sanatan Patra from Danagadi; Tularam Sharma and Sanatan Paikira from Jajpur Road. The government agency is also keeping a watchful eye on the situation to ensure effective containment measures are put in place.

Health authorities are appealing to citizens, especially those living under or nearby affected areas to exercise caution, follow strict hygiene protocols, and seek treatment early if they exhibit symptoms of diarrhea.