Bhubaneswar: After cases of diphtheria, jaundice, and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) were reported from some districts, health minister Mukesh Mahaling reviewed the situation with collectors of Rayagada, Sambalpur, and Angul districts over video conference from here on Monday. The minister instructed state and district authorities to remain vigilant and enhance fever surveillance.He also emphasized on supply of potable water to the affected areas. Regarding the JE issue, Mahaling said two suspected JE cases were found in Angul district. “We are investigating the cases. The situation is under control. No more JE cases have been detected,” he added. Out of the two JE cases, one succumbed to her illness.
He said diphtheria has been detected mostly in four villages on the border of three districts – Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Koraput. No diphtheria case has been detected during the last 10 days. “Containment zones have been created in the affected villages to prevent further spread. A vaccination drive is underway,” he added. He said an affected village in Rayagada district does not have a motorable road. The rural development department has started building the road under MGNREGA, he added.
The minister said the govt has kept an eye on the jaundice situation in Sambalpur. The Water Corporation of Odisha (Watco) has been instructed to change the old pipes and the pipeline passing through drains. Sambalpur Municipal Corporation has been directed to provide safe drinking water to people, he added. Sambalpur city has reported 82 jaundice cases so far. Water contamination is suspected to be the reason behind the outbreak, official sources said. “Diphtheria has claimed six children in a month. The govt is taking necessary steps to control the situation,” said director (public health) Nilakantha Mishra.

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