Jajpur, Sep 3: A fresh wave of diarrhoea has struck Taluha village in the Barchana block of Jajpur district, triggering public health concerns and panic among residents.

As per official sources, 10 individuals have been affected, and one person has tragically succumbed to the illness.

The deceased, who was in critical condition, was transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment but could not survive. Public Health Director Dr. Nilakantha Mishra confirmed that the remaining patients are currently stable and under observation.

Medical teams from Jajpur Medical College and the nearby Community Health Centre (CHC) have launched an investigation into the cause of the outbreak. Water and stool samples have been collected and sent for laboratory testing. The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) has been instructed to submit a detailed report within three days.

Local health officials suspect contaminated drinking water as a potential source of the outbreak. In response, sanitation efforts have been intensified, and awareness campaigns are underway to encourage residents to consume only boiled or purified water.

This incident comes amid a broader diarrhoea crisis in Jajpur district, where over 500 cases have been reported in recent weeks, with multiple fatalities across blocks like Dharamsala, Danagadi, and Korei. The state health department has deployed additional medical teams and initiated house-to-house surveys to contain the spread.