Deadly diarrhoea outbreak in Odisha: 2 dead, over 140 Sick—Symptoms to watch out for

Two people have died and over 140 have fallen ill in a diarrhoea outbreak in Odisha’s Ganjam district. Contaminated water is suspected; health teams are working to control the situation.

Odisha diarrhoea outbreak
Odisha diarrhoea outbreak (Image Source: Freepik)

Two people have died and more than 140 others have fallen sick following a diarrhoea outbreak in Ustapalli village of Ganjam district, Odisha. According to health officials, the first cases were reported on Saturday from the Digapahandi block. Over the past three days, the illness has spread rapidly, prompting urgent medical intervention.

So far, 10 seriously ill patients have been admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, officials said on Monday. The cause of the outbreak is still under investigation, though contaminated drinking water is suspected to be a likely source.

“We collected water samples from the affected village and sent them for testing. The results are expected by Tuesday,” said a medical officer from the block. In the meantime, medical teams and paramedics have been deployed in the area, and steps are being taken to prevent further spread.

Chief District Medical Officer Dr. Sukant Kumar Nayak said the situation is now under control. “An awareness drive has also been launched in the village to educate people about hygiene and safe drinking practices,” he added. Local MLA Sidhant Mohapatra visited the village on Sunday to take stock of the situation.

This is not the first such outbreak in Odisha in recent months. Just last month, hundreds of people fell ill due to diarrhoea in Jajpur district, raising concerns about water safety and sanitation during the monsoon season.

What is diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is a common condition where a person experiences frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. It is often a sign that the body is trying to get rid of something harmful, like bacteria, viruses, or toxins.

Common causes of diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is usually caused by:

  • Contaminated food or water
  • Viral or bacterial infections (such as rotavirus, E. coli, or cholera)
  • Poor sanitation and hygiene
  • Food intolerance or allergies
  • Side effects of medication

In areas with limited access to clean drinking water, like some rural villages, waterborne infections are a major concern.

Symptoms of diarrhoea to watch out for

  • Frequent loose or watery stools
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fever
  • Dehydration (dry mouth, tiredness, less urination)

Severe diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, especially in children and the elderly, and may become life-threatening if not treated in time.

How to prevent diarrhoea

Health experts recommend the following preventive steps:

– Drink safe, boiled, or filtered water

– Wash hands thoroughly before eating or cooking

– Avoid raw or uncooked street food, especially during the monsoon

– Keep food covered and stored properly

– Use proper sanitation and toilets

– Treat drinking water with chlorine tablets if purity is uncertain

(With inputs from PTI)

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This article was first uploaded on July seven, twenty twenty-five, at fifty-nine minutes past twelve in the night.
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