Odisha on Alert to Prevent Diarrhea Outbreak During Rath Yatra

Bhubaneswar: With the annual Rath Yatra festival set to begin on June 27, the Odisha government has intensified its efforts to prevent a potential outbreak of diarrhea amid rising cases in several districts. Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Monday assured that all precautionary measures are being taken to ensure public safety during the grand celebration.

Addressing the media, Mahapatra said the government is fully alert and has initiated extensive surveillance and monitoring, particularly in urban areas where Rath Yatra festivities are held. “The department is on high alert to avoid any outbreak during the festival. Special attention is being given to sanitation and water safety in town areas,” he stated.

He further added that while there is no conclusive evidence of water contamination so far, the government is not taking any chances. Directives have been issued to maintain uninterrupted water supply and sanitation facilities, especially in sensitive zones.

In a coordinated effort, the state Health and Family Welfare Department on Monday launched a comprehensive campaign titled ‘Stop Diarrhea’. State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, while launching the initiative, informed that ample stocks of ORS packets, zinc tablets, and essential medicines have been distributed to Anganwadi Kendras, community centres, hospitals, and Arogya Mandirs across Odisha. The campaign will continue until July 31.

Health workers have been instructed to visit every household in their jurisdiction to distribute awareness pamphlets, ORS packets, and medicines, and to guide residents on preventive health practices. Mahaling urged citizens to strictly follow the advice of doctors and health workers to keep the disease at bay.

The diarrhea outbreak, which initially surfaced in Jajpur district, has since spread to several other regions including Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Dhenkanal, and Cuttack. In response, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare dispatched a central team to investigate the outbreak. On Monday, the team confirmed that Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for cholera, is behind the current wave of diarrheal infections.

The state government remains on high alert and is coordinating closely with health and municipal departments to ensure a safe and healthy Rath Yatra for all.