Bhubaneswar, June 15: A cholera outbreak has gripped multiple districts of Odisha, prompting urgent intervention from the Health Department. Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling visited ground zero in Jajpur, inspecting medical facilities and interacting with patients to assess their condition.

The Health Minister emphasized three critical measures to curb the crisis: disinfecting drinking water sources, breaking the infection chain through family mapping and preventive medication, and strengthening monitoring efforts.

A 14-member Central team has been deployed to investigate the source of the outbreak in Jajpur, while additional teams from Khurda and Jagatsinghpur are assisting in containment efforts. Discussions with officials from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) are underway to strategize an effective response.

The outbreak has affected six blocks in Jajpur, with 280 reported cases so far. Meanwhile, Jhadeibanta recorded two more fatalities, raising the death toll to seven, with 84 patients receiving treatment at medical facilities. Water contamination has been cited as a probable cause, with reports from Cuttack’s Ward 52 indicating mixing of drinking water pipelines with drainage, exacerbating health risks.

The State Urban Development and Housing Department has directed all local municipal bodies and district officials to implement immediate preventive actions. These include testing drinking water sources, identifying hotspots, coordinating with health teams, and ramping up public awareness campaigns to contain the spread.

With the monsoon approaching, authorities are intensifying efforts to mitigate further health hazards.

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