How is Odisha's Health Department Responding to the Diarrhoea Outbreak in Jajpur?
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Synopsis
On June 11, Odisha's Health Department took rapid action against a diarrhoea outbreak in Jajpur district that has claimed three lives. With a surge in hospital admissions, the state mobilized a multi-sectoral team to investigate the cause and provide immediate medical assistance, showcasing their commitment to public health safety.
Key Takeaways
- Health Department mobilizes teams to Jajpur.
- Investigation into the cause of diarrhoea outbreak.
- Over 200 patients admitted to hospitals.
- Precautionary measures advised for public safety.
- Collaboration between health teams for effective response.
Bhubaneswar, June 11 (NationPress) In response to a sudden surge of diarrhoea cases in various regions of Odisha's Jajpur district, the state's Health and Family Welfare department initiated comprehensive field operations on Wednesday, aiming to manage the outbreak that has to date resulted in three fatalities.
"Following reports from Jajpur district about individuals being hospitalized due to diarrhoea, we have formed a state-level multi-sectoral team, including doctors, microbiologists, and food safety inspectors, to investigate the cause of this outbreak. They have arrived on-site and commenced their investigations," stated health department secretary, Aswathy S.
She further mentioned that additional medical teams have been dispatched to provide treatment to patients at the Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital and other local hospitals.
The Director of Public Health Services, Nilaknatha Mishra, has traveled to the district to ensure coordinated actions among all stakeholders to address the unexpected diarrhoea outbreak affecting multiple areas of Jajpur.
According to an official announcement from the health department, various teams are actively working in the impacted and surrounding regions including Dharmashala, Vyasanagar municipality, Danagadi, Rasulpur, and Korei blocks of Jajpur district.
The state and district teams are closely monitoring the situation on the ground.
The director of Public Health Services mentioned that all patients and sporadic cases in nearby areas are swiftly addressed by rapid action teams formed at the district level.
He, along with two Rapid Action Teams composed of medical officers, microbiologists, epidemiologists, and representatives from the state-level integrated disease surveillance program, has arrived to conduct field operations in collaboration with the Jajpur Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer.
"Specialists from Maharaja Jajati Keshari Medical College and hospital in Jajpur are assessing critical cases. Additionally, six specialists in medicine from SCB Medical College and hospital in Cuttack have been assigned to the district. Infected individuals are being treated at Dharmashala, Jajpur Road, and Danagadi Community Health Centres, as well as at the Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital. Critical patients are also receiving care at SCB Medical College and hospital in Cuttack," reported the state Health department.
The department also indicated that hospitals in the area have been bolstered with extra staff, adequate medications, saline solutions, and other necessary resources to combat the illness.
The Superintendent of SCB Medical College has been instructed to maintain vigilance regarding the treatment of referral cases.
"Teams focused on Rural Water Supply and Sanitation are actively disinfecting drinking water sources. Food inspection teams and disease surveillance teams are engaged at the grassroots level to mitigate water-borne diseases. Local health workers, including health sub-centres, ASHA workers, AWC workers, and multipurpose health staff, have been provided with halogen tablets, medications, ORS packets, and educational materials for dissemination among the community," the department emphasized.
The state government has urged citizens to follow precautionary measures, including refraining from consuming outside food, drinking safe water, and practicing good hygiene.
According to the Jajpur district administration, over 200 individuals have been admitted to various hospitals in the district within the last two days, with two fatalities reported from Jajpur district and one from Anandpur in Keonjhar district.
Point of View
This situation in Jajpur district highlights the urgent need for robust public health responses. The swift mobilization of health teams reflects a commitment to addressing health crises effectively. Our responsibility remains to keep the public informed and ensure that the local health systems are prepared to handle such outbreaks in the future.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions should people take during a diarrhoea outbreak?
It's crucial to avoid consuming outside food, drink safe and treated water, and maintain hygienic practices to prevent the spread of diarrhoea.
What is the state doing to combat the diarrhoea outbreak?
The state has dispatched multi-sectoral teams of health professionals to investigate the outbreak and provide treatment to affected individuals.
How can the public help during this health crisis?
Public cooperation is vital. Following health advice, spreading awareness, and reporting any suspicious water sources can help control the outbreak.
What facilities are being provided to hospitals in Jajpur?
Hospitals are receiving additional staff, medications, and medical supplies to treat patients effectively during this outbreak.
How many people have been affected so far?
Over 200 patients have been admitted to various hospitals in Jajpur district due to the outbreak.
