Brahmapur: A suspected diarrhoea outbreak has reportedly claimed the lives of two persons and affected over 19 people in two villages of Odisha’s Ganjam district, prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance measures.
The deceased have been identified as Surendra Mallik (60) of Marthapur village under Podamari panchayat in Sanakhemundi block and Susanta Malik (36) of Patashala village in Dharakote area of the district.
According to sources, several affected villagers have been admitted to nearby healthcare facilities for treatment. Following directions from the district administration, medical teams from Dharakote and Manikapur Primary Health Centre (PHC) visited the village and began providing treatment.
Health officials are also monitoring the condition of other residents, including children who have reportedly developed similar symptoms.
According to information from the village, several residents had travelled to Podamari to attend a feast. In the night after the feast, Surendra and several other villagers developed diarrhoea and vomiting. The affected villagers were shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital where Surendra died during treatment on Wednesday. Four other villagers including one woman and two minors are undergoing treatment at the hospital.
On being informed about the outbreak, ASHA workers and health personnel reached Marthapur and launched an awareness drive. A special team from the district administration is monitoring the situation and overseeing arrangements.
Based on the initial assessment, health teams suspect food poisoning may be behind the outbreak. However, the exact cause is yet to be established.
Health officials have collected drinking water samples and other materials from the affected area and sent them for testing.
Medical teams are continuing treatment and surveillance in the village as authorities work to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Podamari sarpanch Santosh Bishoyi demanded immediate sanitation measures to prevent further spread of the disease. He also urged the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) authorities to disinfect sources of drinking water in the village.
Similarly, the diarrhoea outbreak in Patashala under Dharakote block is also linked to a feast in the village. Sources said some villagers including Susanta had attended the feast and developed symptoms of diarrhoea after returning home. Susanta died on Tuesday reportedly due to severe loose motion and vomiting.
More than 15 people have been affected in the village with several undergoing treatment at nearby health facilities including Manikpur primary health centre (PHC).
Health officials suspect food poisoning as a possible cause, though the exact source of the outbreak is yet to be established.
