Bhubaneswar: The deaths of two individuals in the Digapahandi area of Ganjam district were not due to diarrhoea, said Public Health Director Dr. Nilakant Mishra after conducting an initial investigation.
The deceased individuals were identified as 70-year-old Dasa Shabar and 35-year-old Prakash Raitia.
Dasa Shabar died on July 3 at his home due to melena, or black stool. Prakash Raitia, on the other hand, had sought treatment at a primary health centre on July 7 for stomach pain and vomiting. Despite being advised to visit a community health centre or district headquarters hospital for specialized treatment, Raitia returned home, feeling better. However, he succumbed to severe pain later that night on his way to the community health centre. A post-mortem has been conducted, and the cause of death will be determined once the report is available.
Meanwhile, the diarrhoea outbreak in Ustapalli village of Digapahandi block has been brought under control through a coordinated field program. Since the outbreak began on July 6, a total of 11 people have been infected, with six requiring treatment at MKCG Medical College Hospital in Berhampur and five being treated at the Digapahandi Group Health Center. Fortunately, five patients have been discharged from MKCG after recovery, and all patients treated at Digapahandi have also been discharged.
The situation is now under control, with no new patients being admitted to the hospital from Ustapalli village. However, the Health and Family Welfare Department and the Panchayati Raj Drinking Water Supply Department have instructed field-level officers to continue awareness campaigns and regular sanitation work to prevent any further outbreaks. A 5-year-old child is still receiving special treatment for respiratory problems.
