Odisha on High Alert as Diarrhoea Outbreak Spreads Across Five Districts, Claims 15 Lives

The Odisha government has placed all 30 districts on high alert following a widespread outbreak of diarrhoea, initially reported in Jajpur district on June 9 and now spreading rapidly to Cuttack, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, and Dhenkanal. The health emergency has already claimed 15 lives, affected over 1,500 people, and left 259 patients under medical care, with cholera identified as the primary cause in several cases.

Health officials confirmed that eight of 41 faecal specimens from Jajpur tested positive for Vibrio cholerae, marking the area as the epicentre of the outbreak. Authorities attribute the spread largely to contaminated drinking water and poor hygiene conditions, compounded by the onset of monsoon rains.

CM Majhi Orders Emergency Measures

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed health centres across the state to provide uninterrupted treatment, especially in rural and high-risk areas. Measures taken include:

• Ban on roadside food vendors

• Disinfection of drinking water sources

• Deployment of mobile medical units

To raise public awareness and prevent further infections, the state launched the “Stop Diarrhoea” campaign on June 16, which will continue until July 31. The drive focuses on hygiene education, early detection, and prevention, especially among children under five, who are the most vulnerable.

State, Centre Mobilise Forces as Cases Rise

Health Secretary Aswathy S urged all districts to remain on alert, stating that over 300 new cases were reported in the past 10 days across the five affected districts. While most cases are mild, the situation remains critical as more areas are reporting symptoms.

In support, the central government has deployed a 14-member expert team to assist in surveillance, testing, and response coordination. The government is also working to improve clean water access, enhance rapid diagnostic capacity, and monitor vulnerable populations closely.

Opposition Slams Government’s Response

Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik criticised the state’s handling of the crisis, calling the government’s response “grossly inadequate”. He demanded immediate escalation of relief operations, increased manpower at health centres, and urgent efforts to contain the spread before it spirals further.

Monsoon Poses Additional Challenge

With the southwest monsoon active across Odisha, health experts warn that flooding and water contamination could worsen the situation if strict measures are not implemented swiftly. Authorities have intensified public messaging and are working with local panchayats and community health workers to monitor developments in remote areas.

As the state battles both seasonal and health emergencies, the coming days will be crucial in curbing the spread and preventing a broader public health disaster.