Brahmapur: A suspected diarrhea outbreak has led to the unfortunate deaths of two individuals and has affected more than 19 others across two villages in Odisha’s Ganjam district. This alarming situation has compelled health authorities to ramp up their surveillance activities.
The two deceased have been identified as Surendra Mallik, aged 60, from Marthapur village in the Podamari panchayat of the Sanakhemundi block, and Susanta Malik, aged 36, from Patashala village in the Dharakote area.
Reports indicate that several villagers experiencing symptoms have been admitted to local healthcare facilities for treatment. Following instructions from the district administration, medical teams from both the Dharakote and Manikapur Primary Health Centre (PHC) have arrived in the villages to provide necessary care.
Health officials are closely observing the conditions of other residents, particularly children who have begun to exhibit similar symptoms.
According to villagers, many had traveled to Podamari to participate in a feast. On the night after the event, Surendra and several others began experiencing diarrhea and vomiting. They were subsequently transported to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where Surendra succumbed during treatment on Wednesday. Currently, four other villagers, including a woman and two minors, are receiving care at the hospital.
Upon learning about the outbreak, ASHA workers and health personnel quickly mobilized to Marthapur to initiate an awareness campaign. A specialized team from the district administration is actively monitoring the situation and overseeing the response efforts.
Initial assessments by health teams suggest that food poisoning might be the cause of the outbreak, although the precise origin remains undetermined.
Health officials have collected samples of drinking water and other materials from the affected areas for testing.
Medical teams are continuing their treatment and monitoring efforts in the villages as authorities seek to identify the outbreak’s source and prevent any further spread.
Podamari sarpanch Santosh Bishoyi has called for immediate sanitation measures to halt the disease’s spread and has urged the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) authorities to disinfect drinking water sources in the area.
Similarly, the diarrhea outbreak in Patashala, which falls under the Dharakote block, is also connected to a feast where several attendees, including Susanta, developed symptoms after returning home. Susanta reportedly died on Tuesday due to severe diarrhea and vomiting.
Over 15 individuals in Patashala have been affected, with many receiving treatment at local health facilities, including the Manikpur PHC.
Health officials maintain that food poisoning is a likely cause, though the exact source of the outbreak has yet to be confirmed.
