Bhubaneswar, 11 June (H.S.) A severe diarrhoea outbreak in Odisha’s Jajpur district has raised serious public health concerns, with two suspected deaths and more than 500 people affected so far. The situation remains critical, particularly in the Dharamsala, Danagadi, and Korei blocks, where health facilities are overwhelmed due to a sharp rise in patients with gastrointestinal complications.

District officials reported that over 100 patients are currently receiving treatment at the Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital, while many others are being treated at medical centers in the affected blocks. In a worrying development, eleven critically ill patients were transferred from Jajpur Road Medical to the District Hospital and SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced care.

State Health Secretary Ashwathy S. confirmed that a high-level medical team comprising doctors, microbiologists, and food safety officers has reached the affected areas and submitted a preliminary report on the outbreak. “The cause of the outbreak is under investigation. An additional medical team is being deployed to support treatment and containment efforts,” she said.

Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and public health advisories have been issued to prevent further spread. Emergency response measures, including intensified sanitation drives and drinking water safety checks, are currently underway in the worst-hit areas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda