Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health Department has launched a war-footing operation to contain a diarrhoeal outbreak reported from parts of Jajpur district.
Teams have been deployed across affected areas including Dharmasala, Vyasanagar Municipality, Danagadi, Rasulpur, and Korei block.
State and district-level health officials are closely monitoring the situation, with intensified field operations being carried out under the supervision of Health Secretary Aswathy S.
Director of Public Health Services, Dr. Nilakantha Mishra informed that all patients and sporadic cases in adjacent areas are being promptly treated by Rapid Action Teams (RATs) constituted at the district level.
Two RATs from the state, comprising medical officers, microbiologists, epidemiologists, and officials from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, have been dispatched to the region. They are working in coordination with the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer in Jajpur.
Specialists from Maharaja Jajati Keshari Medical College and Hospital are attending to critical cases. Additionally, six medicine specialists from SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack have been deputed to assist in patient management.
Patients have been admitted to the Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Dharmasala, Jajpur Road, and Danagadi, as well as the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Jajpur. Critical cases are being treated at SCB Medical College in Cuttack. Hospitals in the district have been equipped with additional manpower, essential medicines, saline, and other supplies. The SCB Superintendent has been directed to remain on high alert for referral cases.
To prevent further spread, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) teams are disinfecting drinking water sources. Food inspection and disease surveillance teams are operating on the ground. Frontline workers, including ASHA and AWC workers, have been provided with halogen tablets, ORS packets, medicines, and IEC materials for community outreach.
Public awareness drives are being carried out through loudspeaker announcements. Citizens have been urged to avoid outside food, consume only safe drinking water, and follow hygienic practices.
