Bhubaneswar: Amid the ongoing heatwave across Odisha, Director of Public Health, Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, confirmed on Wednesday that 66 people with heatstroke were admitted to various hospitals in the state till yesterday. However, no deaths due to heatstroke have been officially confirmed.
His comments came in the wake of a death reported in Titilagarh, which was initially speculated to be due to heatstroke. A joint investigation later revealed that the death was caused by a heart attack, not heatstroke.
The health department has not received any post-mortem reports directly linked to heatstroke so far, Dr. Mishra said. As temperatures continue to rise in Odisha, authorities have issued a high-alert advisory to the public, requesting citizens to stay indoors between 11 am and 3 pm unless absolutely necessary.
People have been advised to carry umbrellas, wear light clothes, and stay hydrated while venturing out. As a precautionary measure, all schools in the state have been closed, and a public awareness campaign is underway to sensitize citizens about the symptoms and prevention of heatstroke. Vulnerable sections, especially the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, have been advised to take extra precautions.
The Health Department has increased preparedness in healthcare facilities, setting up special beds for heatstroke patients. District-level hospitals have been allocated up to six beds, sub-district hospitals have four beds, and Community Health Centers (CHCs) and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) have been provided with two and one bed, respectively.
