Nabarangapur: The diarrhoea outbreak at Cheptiamba village under Jharigaon block in the Nabarangapur district has claimed three lives and 28 affected in the last 17 days.
As per sources, one person is still undergoing treatment at District Headquarters Hospital and two are being treated at Jharigaon Community Health Centre.
Locals said Keshab Majhi’s wife Bimala (42) was down with diarrhoea on August 20. As her condition deteriorated, she was admitted to Dabugaon Community Health Centre. She was discharged from the hospital after being cured. Her condition, however, became critical on August 24 a few days after her return from the hospital and she reportedly succumbed to the disease.
On August 29, Tibu Jani’s wife Rama (47) died of the disease on August 29 before the ambulance could reach the village to take her to hospital, said a local.
On September 7, diarrhoea claimed the life of another resident identified as Madhu Janu. Madhu donated one unit of blood to his ailing mother Dala Jani. However, he complained of suffering from diarrhoea after donating blood and subsequently, he died, said Nila Jena.
The affected villagers include Dalajani, Tulasa Jani, Radhika Nayak, Heeramani Jani, Antu Jani, Purna Jani, Rajendra Jani, and Pavitra Jani. The situation is alarming, with the villagers’ condition deteriorating due to the mysterious fever.
It is learnt that the village has seen a surge in the illegal liquor trade, which locals believe is contributing to the villagers’ weakening immune systems. Excessive consumption of liquor has further compromised their health, making them more susceptible to illnesses.
Meanwhile, local MLA Narsing Bhatra has brought the matter to the attention of the district collector, urging him to take immediate action to stop the illegal liquor trade and ensure that healthcare services reach the affected villagers.
