Jajpur, June 14: The death toll due to Cholera in Odisha’s Jajpur district climbed to five, prompting urgent action from the district administration, officials said on Saturday.

With fresh cases reported from multiple locations, officials have cancelled Raja festival holidays for government staff from June 14 to 16 to ensure uninterrupted public service amid the health crisis.

Chief District Medical Officer Prakash Chandra Bal confirmed the latest fatality, while Public Health Director Dr Nilakant Mishra noted that eight of 41 stool samples tested positive for cholera.

Over the last four days, more than 750 people have been affected by waterborne diseases, with around 300 still under treatment. Approximately 30 critical patients have been referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Officials said that more than 450 patients have already recovered and been discharged. The administration is implementing wide-scale awareness campaigns, sanitation efforts, and early detection and treatment strategies to contain the spread.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, who reviewed the evolving situation, has instructed neighboring districts to stay on alert. He called for completion of sanitation drives within ten days and suggested increased hospital readiness, medicine availability, house-to-house surveys, and use of mobile health units for public outreach.

Health officials expressed cautious optimism, saying the situation is stabilizing but urged continued vigilance, especially as the monsoon sets in.

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