Health minister reviews diphtheria, jaundice, Japanese Encephalitis situation in state
BHUBANESWAR: After witnessing cases of diphtheria, jaundice, and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in some districts, health minister Mukesh Mahaling conducted a review meeting with the collectors of Rayagada, Sambalpur, and Angul districts here on Monday. He directed them to take necessary measures to prevent these diseases.
In the meeting, officials discussed diphtheria in Rayagada and its bordering districts, the jaundice issue in Sambalpur city, and suspected JE cases from Angul district.The minister instructed state and district authorities to remain vigilant and enhance fever surveillance. He also emphasized the provision of potable water supply to the affected areas. District collectors attended the meeting through video conferencing.
Regarding the JE issue, Mahaling mentioned that two suspected JE cases were found in Angul district. “We are investigating the cases. Confirmed reports are yet to come. The situation is under control. No more JE cases have been detected from this district so far,” he added.
On diphtheria, he noted that the disease has been detected mostly in four villages situated in a triangular shape on the border of three districts – Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Koraput. “No diphtheria cases have been detected during the last 10 days. Containment zones were created in the affected villages to prevent further spread of the disease. A vaccination drive is underway in the affected districts,” he added.
He mentioned that an affected village in Rayagada district does not have a motorable road. “The rural development department has been instructed to construct the road. The road work has been started under the MGNREGA program,” he added.
On jaundice, the minister said the govt has kept an eye on Sambalpur’s jaundice situation. “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 city residents,” he added.
Mahaling stated he would personally visit Sambalpur if the situation worsens. “I will discuss with the district collector and other officials to resolve the matter immediately,” he added.
Two suspected JE cases have been reported from the Banarpal and Chhendipada blocks of Angul district. Out of the two girls, one succumbed to her illness. Blood samples have been sent for testing.
Similarly, Sambalpur city has reported 82 jaundice cases so far. Nobody has died of this disease in the city. Water contamination is suspected as the reason behind the jaundice outbreak, said official sources.
Diphtheria has claimed the lives of six children within a month. More than 10 cases have been confirmed. The govt is taking necessary steps to control the situation, said director of public health, Nilakantha Mishra.
In the meeting, officials discussed diphtheria in Rayagada and its bordering districts, the jaundice issue in Sambalpur city, and suspected JE cases from Angul district.The minister instructed state and district authorities to remain vigilant and enhance fever surveillance. He also emphasized the provision of potable water supply to the affected areas. District collectors attended the meeting through video conferencing.
Regarding the JE issue, Mahaling mentioned that two suspected JE cases were found in Angul district. “We are investigating the cases. Confirmed reports are yet to come. The situation is under control. No more JE cases have been detected from this district so far,” he added.
On diphtheria, he noted that the disease has been detected mostly in four villages situated in a triangular shape on the border of three districts – Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Koraput. “No diphtheria cases have been detected during the last 10 days. Containment zones were created in the affected villages to prevent further spread of the disease. A vaccination drive is underway in the affected districts,” he added.
He mentioned that an affected village in Rayagada district does not have a motorable road. “The rural development department has been instructed to construct the road. The road work has been started under the MGNREGA program,” he added.
On jaundice, the minister said the govt has kept an eye on Sambalpur’s jaundice situation. “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 city residents,” he added.
Mahaling stated he would personally visit Sambalpur if the situation worsens. “I will discuss with the district collector and other officials to resolve the matter immediately,” he added.
Two suspected JE cases have been reported from the Banarpal and Chhendipada blocks of Angul district. Out of the two girls, one succumbed to her illness. Blood samples have been sent for testing.
Similarly, Sambalpur city has reported 82 jaundice cases so far. Nobody has died of this disease in the city. Water contamination is suspected as the reason behind the jaundice outbreak, said official sources.
Diphtheria has claimed the lives of six children within a month. More than 10 cases have been confirmed. The govt is taking necessary steps to control the situation, said director of public health, Nilakantha Mishra.
