Odisha Intensifies Action Against Waterborne Diseases as Diarrhoea Cases Surface in Five Districts

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of rising diarrhoea cases reported from several districts of Odisha, the state government has ramped up its response to prevent further spread of waterborne infections. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on Monday chaired a comprehensive review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, focusing on the evolving situation in Jajpur, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Cuttack, and Dhenkanal districts.

Joining the meeting virtually, District Collectors shared ground-level updates on the containment measures underway. Health and Family Welfare Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ashwathy S provided a status report, assuring that the situation is under control and that the number of new patients is on the decline. A total of 429 patients were admitted today, while 284 were discharged after successful recovery, she noted, adding that most cases have been mild.

State health authorities, in collaboration with local administrations, have intensified sanitation and disinfection drives in affected areas. Awareness campaigns using microphones, community outreach, and regular testing are being carried out to break the chain of infection. Control rooms are functioning round-the-clock in all affected districts, while a state-level team continues daily monitoring of the situation.

The central health team, which recently visited the impacted regions, confirmed that the diarrhoea cases stem from water contamination due to rainwater runoff and are not indicative of a larger epidemic. Special emphasis is being placed on residents living near rivers and canals, who are more susceptible to such outbreaks during the monsoon.

The Chief Secretary instructed officials to maintain strict vigilance and ensure that water sources are treated and purified regularly. He stressed the need to expand awareness programmes, particularly in rural and low-lying areas, to educate communities about hygiene, safe drinking water, and early symptoms.

Reiterating the state’s commitment to safeguarding public health, Ahuja said, “Preventing waterborne diseases during the monsoon is a top priority. Testing, awareness, and timely treatment must go hand-in-hand to avoid any loss of life.”