Kandhamal: At least nine people have died due to food poisoning and diarrhea while several others are ill in Kanibaru and Sindhibali villages of Durgapanga panchayat under Kotgarh block of Kandhamal district after taking food at a death ritual feast four days ago.
The situation has worsened to such extent that around 70-80 villagers in Kanibaru and Sindhibali have left their homes for other places for the fear of falling sick.
According to reports, a three-month pregnant woman of Kanibaru village succumbed to her illness last Monday night. Her husband had died two days before. Currently, more than 20 people in Sindhibali and Kanibaru villages are affected and some of them are being treated at Kotgarh Community Health Center. Besides, some patients whose condition is critical have been referred to Baliguda Hospital. However, many are unable to go to the hospital for transportation problems and are being treated by local medicos at home.
A team of doctors from Durgapanga CHC and led by Dr George Deepak have reached the villages and collected samples of water, food, and other items and sent them for analysis.
“The condition is stable now. A medical team visited the villages and administered the necessary medications. Till now, five deaths have been reported officially. However, there has been a drop in casualties since yesterday,” said Dr George.
