Bhubaneswar, 14 June (H.S.): In light of confirmed cholera cases, the Jajpur district administration has imposed a ban on community feasting during the ongoing three-day Raja festival to curb the potential spread of the disease. The decision was taken after eight cholera cases were detected from 41 samples tested on Friday, prompting health authorities to take swift preventive action.
Although the number of diarrhoea cases is reportedly declining, officials remain vigilant. Over 200 water and stool samples have been collected for further testing. Instructions have been issued to disinfect drinking water tanks and other public water sources across the district.
Cholera infections have been reported from multiple locations, rather than a single concentrated cluster, raising concerns about wider community transmission. Consequently, the district administration has prohibited large gatherings involving food—especially outdoor communal meals, which are a traditional part of the Raja festivities.
Health officials have urged residents to avoid consuming street food and potentially contaminated water. Instead, citizens are encouraged to eat freshly cooked meals at home and consume only boiled or filtered drinking water.
Special Health Secretary Bijay Mohapatra emphasized that while the situation is under control, people should remain cautious and not panic. “We have not found a single cluster; cases are spread across different locations. Five samples tested positive out of 40. The focus now is on rapid surveillance, early detection, and treatment,” he said.
He also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as watery diarrhoea to immediately visit a nearby health center, ASHA worker, or Anganwadi for assistance. Surveillance has been intensified in affected areas, with community health teams conducting door-to-door checks.
Dedicated medical teams have been deployed in Jajpur and at SCB Medical College in Cuttack. Additionally, a state-level expert team is stationed in the region to support local health workers and monitor the evolving situation.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
