A deadly cholera outbreak has gripped Odisha, claiming at least seven lives and infecting more than 1,500 people, with Jajpur district emerging as the epicentre. Other affected regions include Cuttack, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, and Keonjhar, as the state battles to contain the rapidly escalating health crisis.
Jajpur Worst-Hit as Hospitals Overflow
The outbreak, which began earlier this month in Jajpur, has overwhelmed local healthcare facilities. The most affected blocks — Dharmasala, Badachana, Rasulpur, and Jajpur town — are reporting hundreds of new admissions daily. Two more deaths were confirmed on Sunday, raising the toll in Jajpur to seven.
In response, authorities have shut down eateries, hotels, and water packaging units in Jajpur and Bari blocks for two weeks to curb further spread.
Cholera Cases Spread Across Districts
The infection has quickly spread beyond Jajpur. In Dhenkanal’s Bhuban block, over 50 individuals have been hospitalized, while 40 cases have emerged in Gholapur village of Cuttack. Stool sample tests in Bhadrak and Keonjhar’s Anandapur subdivision have also confirmed cholera infections.
Health officials attribute the outbreak to the consumption of contaminated water. “The spread is largely due to polluted water sources, especially in rural areas,” one official stated.
Preventive Measures and Government Response
To stem the crisis, the state government has deployed emergency medical teams, launched water purification drives, and advised residents to avoid public gatherings such as weddings and feasts. Public health authorities have urged citizens to drink only boiled or treated water and report symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting immediately.
Odisha Chief Minister has ordered swift containment measures, with support from a Central government team currently assessing the situation.
Larger Sanitation Concerns Amid Monsoon
The outbreak has spotlighted persistent challenges in water sanitation and public health infrastructure. With the monsoon season intensifying, concerns are mounting over the potential for further spread if clean water access and hygiene measures are not urgently improved.