Jajpur: With cholera cases surfacing in Odisha’s Jajpur, the district administration on Saturday imposed a ban on community feasts during the Raja festival as a precautionary measure.
An advisory issued by the health department urged people to maintain utmost caution and follow strict hygiene practices to prevent further spread of the disease. The move aims to curb the spread of the waterborne disease, which has seen a surge in recent days.
While diarrhoea cases are declining, eight cholera cases detected out of 41 samples yesterday. Around 200 samples have also been sent for examination. Instructions have been issued to disinfect water tanks and other water sources.
Officials said that cholera infections have been reported from some places of the district, not confined to a single cluster. In view of this, the administration has prohibited mass gatherings involving food, especially outdoor feasting during the festival, which traditionally sees large communal meals.
People have been advised to avoid consuming unhygienic street food or contaminated water. Instead, people are being encouraged to eat freshly cooked food at home and drink boiled or filtered water.
Anyone showing symptoms of diarrhoea should promptly seek medical assistance from ASHA workers, Anganwadi didis, or nearby health centers. Surveillance activities have been intensified throughout the district.
Special Health Secretary Bijay Mohapatra has said the situation is under control and people should not panic. He clarified that though cases have emerged from different areas, the spread remains manageable.
Dedicated medical teams are stationed at Jajpur and SCB Medical College in Cuttack to monitor the situation. A state-level expert team is also camping in the affected areas to support the local response in handling the situation.
