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Bhubaneswar, July 9, 2025 — The Odisha Health Department has confirmed a diarrhoea outbreak in Ustapalli village, located in the Digapahandi block of Ganjam district. Authorities report that the situation has been brought under complete control following swift field-level interventions and extensive public awareness campaigns.
According to an official statement from the state’s Director of Public Health, Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, the outbreak began sporadically on July 6. By the afternoon of July 8, 11 cases had been reported. Of these, six patients were referred to MKCG Medical College & Hospital in Berhampur, while five received treatment at the Digapahandi Community Health Centre. As of Tuesday, all five patients treated at the local health centre and five from MKCG have been discharged after full recovery. A five-year-old child with respiratory complications remains under observation.
Officials emphasized that no new cases were reported on Tuesday, indicating successful containment of the outbreak. The department attributes this to door-to-door surveillance and a rapid medical response.
The Health Department also addressed rumors regarding fatalities linked to the outbreak. Preliminary investigations and post-mortem reports have ruled out diarrhoea as the cause of death for two individuals in the village. One of the deceased, a 70-year-old man, was found to have died from melena, a condition related to gastrointestinal bleeding and not diarrhoea. Both cases involved pre-existing health conditions.
Despite the containment, authorities have instructed all local officials to continue awareness drives, chlorination, and sanitation measures to prevent any recurrence. The Health & Family Welfare Department, along with the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, remain vigilant in their efforts.
This incident follows a larger pattern of diarrhoea outbreaks across Odisha in recent months, with several districts reporting cases and fatalities.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available as of July 9, 2025, from official statements and news sources. Details may evolve as further investigations and health assessments are conducted. Readers are advised to consult local health authorities for the most current updates and guidance.
