Odisha Health Update: Diphtheria Under Control, Focus Shifts to Jaundice in Sambalpur

Odisha's Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling confirmed that the diphtheria outbreak in the state is under control with no new cases reported in the last 10 days. Efforts are now focused on managing jaundice in Sambalpur, with 82 cases reported recently. Vaccination and infrastructure improvements are ongoing.

Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling announced on Monday that the diphtheria outbreak in the state is under control, with no new cases reported in the past 10 days.

Diphtheria cases had surfaced in four closely-knit villages across Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Koraput districts, resulting in six deaths in Rayagada since June 13.

Mahaling informed that no new case has been detected in the last 10 days. Currently, no diphtheria patient is undergoing treatment in government hospitals, a health department official confirmed. Vaccination programs are active, and the rural development department is constructing motorable roads to remote villages, the minister added.

Additionally, Mahaling addressed the jaundice situation in Sambalpur and the alleged Japanese Encephalitis (JE) case in Angul district. The district administrations have been instructed to ensure drinking water availability in every household.

On the jaundice outbreak in Sambalpur, Mahaling asked the Water Corporation of Odisha to replace drinking water pipes passing through drains, and the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation will provide safe drinking water to households. He emphasized that a close watch is being kept on the situation, and he will visit Sambalpur if it escalates further.

So far, 82 jaundice cases, primarily among children, have been reported in Sambalpur. The situation is now controlled as no new case was found on Sunday, according to Sambalpur collector Agrawal Akshay Sunil.

Mahaling also mentioned that an expert team is investigating the alleged JE death case in Angul district.