Puri, Jul 9: Amid rising concerns over waterborne diseases, Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Public Health for Odisha, has confirmed that the use of water from the Daya river has been officially banned due to suspected cholera contamination.

The directive comes as several regions across the state report a surge in diarrhoea cases following heavy monsoon rains.

The outbreak has affected areas like Khordha and Bhusandpur, though officials say the situation is currently under control. In Jatani, health teams have been dispatched to assess and contain the spread. In Konark, four active cases of diarrhoea have been reported, with contaminated river water identified as the likely source.

In response, the Puri district administration has issued strict guidelines prohibiting the use of Daya river water for drinking and cooking. Red flags have been placed at various river ghats to warn the public, and volunteers had previously advised locals to avoid the river water. Samples from affected patients have been sent for laboratory testing to determine whether cholera is present.

Dr. Mishra emphasized that precautionary measures are essential to prevent further spread. The administration has urged residents to use only purified or boiled water and avoid any contact with untreated river sources. The Health Department is actively monitoring the situation and will take further action based on test results.

This alert follows a series of diarrhoea and suspected cholera outbreaks across Odisha, with contaminated water sources being the primary cause. The state government has ramped up awareness campaigns and sanitation efforts to mitigate the crisis.

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