Jeypore: One more person of Odapur village in Odisha’s Koraput district succumbed to suspected food poisoning while undergoing treatment at a government hospital on Sunday, taking the toll to five in less than a week.
The deceased have been identified as Khagapati Gouda, Nayana Gouda, Jambati Gouda, Mahendra Gouda and Rajesh Gouda, all residents of Gouda Sahi in Odapur village of Dasmantpur block.
Five others from the village are under treatment at SLN medical College and Hospital In Koraput.
According to sources, 10 villagers developed symptoms of food poisoning, including acute vomiting, after attending a community feast organised in the village about a week ago.
Preliminary investigation suggested that the victims had consumed contaminated food and water. Soon, mobile health teams from Koraput and Dasmantpur community health centre (CHC) rushed to the village and began a door-to-door health survey, distributing ORS sachets and counselling villagers to boil water before drinking and heat food properly prior to consumption. The teams also collected samples of water, food and other materials for testing.
“The block officials have been advised to ensure safe drinking water and maintain sanitation in the village. Our teams are conducting round-the-clock surveillance,” Koraput CDMO Rabi Narayan Mishra was quoted as saying.