Bhubaneswar: Expressing concern over the outbreak of Japanese encephalitis (JE), jaundice and diphtheria in Angul, Sambalpur and Rayagada districts, the Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Monday instructed the state and district authorities to remain vigilant and enhance fever surveillance in the affected districts.
Besides, the minister also emphasized the provision of potable water supply to the affected areas.
According to sources, a review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling in the conference hall of Commissioner-cum-Secretary on Monday.
Apart from officers of Health and Family Welfare Department officials, senior officers of the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) were present at the review meeting.
According to the Sambalpur district administration, as many as 82 jaundice cases have been identified in the district by June 24, 2024. Yesterday, the number of jaundice cases was 74. On Monday, the number of cases rose to 82 in the district.
Consumption of street food such as gupchup, dahibara and chuski is believed to be the reason behind the outbreak of the disease at an alarming rate in Sambalpur district.
The Health department has, meanwhile, intensified the awareness campaigns in Sambalpur district. It has started conducting door-to-door surveys and collecting water samples from the affected areas as part of its measures to prevent the disease from spreading.
Kumbharpada, Saliabagicha, Pensionpada, Dhobapada and Hirakud Colony in the district are highly affected by the outbreak of the disease, sources said.
