Jajpur, May 5: The Jajpur district administration has imposed a strict ban on the sale of dahi bara, gupchup, and other fast food items for seven days following a diarrhea outbreak in Dasarathpur block’s Patapur area. The outbreak, which began last Friday, has already claimed one life and left hundreds of residents ill, prompting urgent intervention by local authorities.

In response, the Jajpur Municipality launched raids on roadside vendors and fast food centers across the town. Mobile stalls selling dahi bara, gupchup, and chaat were targeted, with officials seizing food samples for quality testing. The crackdown is being led by health officer Dr. Pradeep Khuntia, who has formed a special team to monitor affected areas including Kusuma, Medical Chhak, and Jodikua.

The administration has directed vendors to suspend sales of dahi bara and fast food for the next seven days in Jajpur town and surrounding panchayats. Officials emphasized that the measure is precautionary, aimed at preventing further spread of infection. Residents have been advised to boil drinking water and maintain strict hygiene practices.

The outbreak has raised serious concerns about food safety and sanitation in the district. According to reports, contaminated food and water are suspected to be the primary causes of the spread. The administration is collecting samples from multiple outlets to determine the source of contamination.

Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling and the Director of Health Services visited Jajpur to review the situation. They inspected facilities at the district hospital, where several patients are undergoing treatment, and held discussions with local officials to strengthen medical response and preventive measures.

Also Read: Food Poisoning Death: Dawn-to-dusk Bandh Disrupts Normal Life in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj

The ban has affected dozens of small vendors who rely on daily sales of popular street foods like dahi bara and gupchup. However, officials stressed that public health must take priority. “We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the outbreak does not spread further,” said a municipal spokesperson.

With the ban in place, authorities hope to contain the outbreak and restore confidence in food safety. The next week will be crucial in determining whether the measures succeed in curbing the spread of diarrhea in Jajpur and its surrounding areas.