Jeypore: Panic has gripped Kenduguda village under Kundura block in Koraput district after an outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting reportedly affected at least 18 people within a week, resulting in the death of two women.
The deceased have been identified as Phulmati Ghasarlia (35) and Hiradebi Ghasarlia (51), both residents of Kenduguda. Health officials suspect that the illness may have been caused by contaminated drinking water, though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.
A medical team from Kundura has been camping in the village and conducting regular investigations. Drinking water samples have been collected from multiple sources, and officials said the cause will be determined once the test results arrive.
Several affected villagers — including Yogesh Gorahandia, Ratnavati Bhumia, Jitendra Pujari, Devendra Bhumia, Basu Bhumia, Rina Pujari, and Phulmati Masia — have reportedly recovered after treatment.
Community Health Officer Dr. Ganesh Prasad Das said the village is under close medical surveillance, with health teams visiting twice daily to monitor the situation and distribute medicines, ORS packets, and awareness materials.
Dr. Das noted that delayed medical intervention has contributed to the fatalities, as several villagers reportedly turned to traditional healers instead of seeking immediate medical care.
Following reports of the deaths, the Koraput District Programme Manager (DPM) and ASHA Manager visited Kenduguda to assess the situation and ensure that preventive measures are being implemented to curb further spread of the disease.
