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Bhubaneswar – The outbreak of water-borne diseases in Odisha’s Jajpur district has intensified, with the death toll from diarrhoea rising to five and over 1,500 people reportedly infected since May 9. Amid growing concern, health authorities have confirmed several cases of cholera, prompting urgent intervention from both state and central agencies.
Government Response and Emergency Measures
In response to the crisis, the central government has dispatched three expert teams comprising 14 specialists, including health and food safety officials, to assess the situation on the ground. These teams will advise local authorities on disease prevention and control strategies. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Director Dr. Brunda D and Special Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Bijay Mohapatra, have also visited affected areas to review ongoing containment efforts.
The Jajpur district administration has taken the extraordinary step of cancelling Raja festival holidays for government employees and banning community feasts to prevent further spread. All government offices in the district will remain open, with staff deployed to assist in emergency operations as needed.
Disease Surveillance and Containment
Health officials have identified contaminated water as the likely source of the outbreak, exacerbated by high humidity and recent community gatherings. Of 200 samples collected, eleven tested positive for Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for cholera. Authorities emphasized that there is no evidence of large-scale cholera clusters so far.
Efforts are underway to disinfect water sources, collect and test food and water samples, and increase public awareness. Health workers are conducting household surveys, and the district is increasing hospital bed capacity and ensuring the availability of medicines and saline for those affected.
Statewide Alert and Preventive Actions
Odisha’s Chief Secretary, Manoj Ahuja, has instructed health departments in neighboring districts to remain vigilant and intensify measures against waterborne diseases, including cholera, diarrhoea, jaundice, malaria, and dengue, especially with the onset of the monsoon. Sanitation drives are being accelerated, and mobile health units are being deployed to educate residents about preventive measures.
Current Situation
As of the latest update, 1,516 people have been hospitalized due to diarrhoea in Jajpur district, with 1,306 having recovered and 210 still undergoing treatment. Health officials remain cautiously optimistic about the recovery of those still hospitalized1.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on information available as of June 15, 2025, and reflects official statements and data from health authorities. The situation is evolving, and readers are advised to follow updates from local health departments and government advisories for the latest information and guidance.
