Bhubaneswar: A rapid action team from Ganjam district, along with a mobile health team, reached the village of Ustapalli in Digapahandi block after receiving inputs from the State Disease Surveillance System about a sporadic outbreak of diarrhoea. The team initiated field operations and began treating patients.
According to reports, the team distributed medicines, ORS packets, and halazone tablets to affected individuals. Intensive awareness activities were conducted to educate the public on preventive measures, advising them to boil and cool water before consumption. Water and stool samples were collected for laboratory testing to determine the cause of the outbreak.
Reviewing the situation in the morning today, Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Aswathy S. directed to intensify the awareness and prevention activities extensively in the surrounding area. With her instructions, another state-level team has been deputed to the village.
A team led by Dr Surjit Garabadu from the State Rapid Response Team, along with Dr. Kollala Das, Consultant for the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health and National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, was deployed to the village. They will assess the ground situation, collaborate with district teams, and closely monitor and supervise diarrhoea control activities in the affected area.
The teams have got a grip on the situation. People have been advised not to panic, and to adhere to the advisories given by the health officials.