Kendrapada: At least 44 people have been hospitalised, mostly in the last two days, following an outbreak of gastroenteritis in several villages under Aul block in Kendrapada district, prompting health department to launch emergency measures to contain the spread of the water-borne disease.Most patients, including six women and eight children, from Lokapada, Chandiagadi, Giribandha, Padanapur and Demala villages were admitted to the community health centre (CHC) at Aul on Wednesday and Thursday with complaints of vomiting, stomach cramps, loose motion and general weakness, medical officer Dr Pranab Shukla said.A medical team from the district headquarters hospital visited the affected villages on Thursday, collected water and stool samples, and sent them to a laboratory in Cuttack for examination.Additional district medical officer Dr Shyamasundar Tudu said an awareness drive has been launched, with residents advised to drink only boiled water. Health workers are distributing oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets and conducting door-to-door visits to identify new cases, if any.“The situation is under control and the health department is maintaining close surveillance. Medical teams have been instructed to report any new developments immediately,” Dr Tudu said, adding cases of gastroenteritis and other digestive ailments typically rise during monsoon due to contaminated food and water, and can be life-threatening for infants, the elderly and those with weakened immunity.Doctors suspect contaminated water from uncovered wells and storage tanks may have triggered the outbreak. Officials said preventive medicines have been distributed, essential drugs are in stock at hospitals, and residents have been advised to maintain hygiene, wash hands regularly, drink boiled water and eat properly cooked food.Villagers alleged inadequate safe drinking water supply has forced families to rely on polluted sources, leading to recurring monsoon outbreaks of water-borne diseases. They urged the administration to improve drinking water facilities and intensify preventive measures.
A woman undergoing treatment in Aul
A man undergoing treatment in Aul
A child undergoing treatment in Aul
A man undergoing treatment in Aul
