Odisha Govt Issues High Alert Amid Diarrhoea Surge in Multiple Districts

BHUBANESWAR, June 15 : The Odisha government has sounded a high alert to all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) following a sharp rise in diarrhoea cases reported across several districts, including a significant outbreak in Jajpur district. The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department issued an urgent advisory on Sunday, urging immediate preventive and response measures to contain the spread of the disease.

Principal Secretary of H&UD, Usha Padhee, called for heightened vigilance, emphasizing the need for real-time monitoring of water sources, especially in vulnerable urban areas. “We must act swiftly to safeguard communities and contain the spread,” Padhee said, highlighting the importance of coordinated action between the H&UD and the Health and Family Welfare Department.

All ULBs and district-level officials have been instructed to inspect and sanitize drinking water sources, identify potential hotspots, and intensify sanitation drives. Field staff have been directed to promote hygiene awareness among communities and ensure close coordination with health officials on the ground.

Emergency water quality testing is underway, and public awareness campaigns have been launched across affected regions to educate citizens about safe water consumption and personal hygiene, particularly ahead of the monsoon season.

Meanwhile, central health authorities have stepped in to support the state’s response. A seven-member health team and a three-member food safety team, acting on the directive of the Director General of Health Services, arrived in Odisha on Saturday. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also dispatched a special four-member team to assess food and water quality.

These teams visited affected areas in Jajpur district on Sunday and inspected hospitals treating diarrhoea patients. They are expected to submit detailed recommendations to both the state and central governments.

Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling also visited the affected zones in Jajpur, reviewing medical response efforts and assuring the public of continued government support.

So far, four people have died and over 1,000 others have been affected by diarrhoea in Jajpur district alone. However, officials have reported a declining trend in new cases over the past two days, indicating that the situation is gradually improving.

Citizens have been advised to consume only safe, treated drinking water and to report any symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal cramps, or dehydration to nearby health facilities without delay.