Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja reviewed the diarrhoea situation in Jajpur, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Cuttack, and Dhenkanal districts, along with preventive measures, in a meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan.
The Commissioner of the Health and Family Welfare Department and Secretary Ashwathy S presented information on the situation, while District Collectors of the affected districts joined virtually.
According to the Health Secretary, awareness programmes, prevention, testing, and treatment measures have been intensified to control the situation. The number of patients has decreased, with most having mild symptoms. The rate of new admissions in hospitals has also declined, with 429 patients admitted today and 284 discharged after recovery.
The Chief Secretary directed the continuation of sanitation and disinfection work, publicity through microphones, and awareness programs for the next 7-10 days. State-level committees are reviewing the situation daily, and 24-hour control rooms are functioning in affected districts.
The central health team has visited districts and confirmed that the diarrhoea outbreak is not an epidemic, but rather waterborne diseases caused by rainwater contamination. The Health Secretary emphasised proper attention and treatment for patients, especially those living in river and canal areas.
The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of precautions, awareness, testing, and treatment to prevent loss of life due to infectious diseases. He directed District Collectors to monitor the situation, purify water sources regularly, and expand awareness programs to prevent waterborne infections during the monsoon season
