CM Reviews Diarrhoea Outbreak, Says Situation Under Control

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan to review the diarrhoea outbreak across six districts in Odisha. Officials reported that the situation is now under control, with a significant drop in new cases.

The districts affected—Jajpur, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Dhenkanal, and Keonjhar—have witnessed a steady decline in infections, and normalcy is gradually returning, the Chief Minister was informed.

Majhi credited the coordinated response of various government departments for curbing the spread and emphasized the need for continued vigilance. “The teamwork among departments has played a crucial role in containing the outbreak. Now, we must maintain seamless coordination from primary health centres to medical colleges,” he said.

He directed officials to intensify preventive measures in high-risk areas that have not yet reported cases and called for heightened preparedness ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.

In a bid to protect students, the Chief Minister ordered strict implementation of safety protocols in educational institutions. Efforts to purify drinking water in schools and colleges are already underway.

Majhi also highlighted the importance of food safety during the festive season. He instructed health and civic officials to conduct regular inspections of street food vendors and ensure sanitation in public areas. Additionally, he ordered purification of tube wells and routine testing of drinking water in rural and urban regions.

As of now, 3,892 diarrhoea cases have been reported, with 3,543 recoveries. A total of 254 patients are still undergoing treatment.

The state government continues its public awareness drive through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns. The Mission Shakti Department is involving women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to spread awareness about diarrhoea prevention. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi workers, and SHG members are playing a key role in reaching out to communities.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Health Principal Secretary Aswathy S., and senior officials from the Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water, Housing and Urban Development, Women and Child Protection, and Public Education departments.