Diarrhoea outbreak in Kendrapara, Odisha: one death

A suspected outbreak of diarrhoea has resulted in the death of a 65-year-old woman and the hospitalisation of approximately 35 individuals in the coastal Kendrapara district of Odisha. The victim, a resident of Shyamsundarpur village in Derabishi district, had been experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and general discomfort, and was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. However, her condition deteriorated, resulting in her demise. A team of medical professionals, comprising doctors and epidemiologists, was dispatched to the victim’s home village. In this capacity, they proceeded to collect water and stool samples from the affected villagers for further investigation. It has been reported by various sources that there have been suspected cases of diarrhoea in villages within the Mahakalapada, Rajnagar, and Aul districts. As asserted by district medical sources, the primary cause of the propagation of waterborne diseases and viral infections is the presence of uncovered water wells and tanks in villages. The situation is currently under control and the health department is closely monitoring it.