Bhubaneswar: The Director of Family Welfare Dr Sanjukta Sahoo today said that it is Kalahandi, not Rayagada, is the source of diphtheria infections in the state. The infection has spread from the Indravati area in Kalahandi.
A man had visited to Indravati from Manuspadar where he got infected. After he returned to Manushpad, the diphtheria infection broke out further, she added.
She further informed that surveillance is still going on in Kalahandi, Koraput. Booster dose of vaccine has been administered to 33 children in Bandhugaon of Koraput. The booster dose vaccination has been completed in 13 villages out of 18 villages in Manushpadar area of Kashipur.
Children who have not received diphtheria vaccine will be identified and vaccinated soon, she said.
An 11-year-old girl who died of diphtheria was about 15 kg weight. The Women and Child Development Department has been asked to examine whether the girl was malnourished.
Director of Public Health Dr Nilakantha Mishra said that diphtheria infection in the State is now stable. No fresh infection has been reported from anywhere in the State. The surveillance at the epicentre is going on. Report will come soon, he added.
The serious contagious disease has claimed already six lives in the State. Some others infected with the bacteria are under treatment. Out of six, five children succumbed to the infection in Kashipur of Rayagada.
