Health Minister Addresses Outbreaks of Diphtheria and Jaundice in Odisha

Diphtheria is spreading through several villages in Angul and Rayagada, while Sambalpur is grappling with a jaundice outbreak. Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, the recently appointed Health Minister, is closely monitoring the situation in these districts.

During a video conference with the District Collectors of Angul, Rayagada, and Sambalpur on Monday, the Health Minister mandated the implementation of essential measures to combat the spread of diphtheria and jaundice.

The minister mentioned that two children in Angul are under suspicion of having Japanese Encephalitis (JE), with test results pending and no new infections reported.

Over the past ten days, diphtheria cases have been identified in four villages across Rayagada, Koraput, and Kalahandi. All affected patients are in isolation, and both the district administration and medical teams are actively addressing the situation.

The minister emphasized that such infections can occur when a child’s immunity is weakened, often due to malnutrition. Preventive measures and adequate vaccination efforts are in progress.

In response to the jaundice outbreak in Sambalpur, WATCO has been tasked with replacing the pipeline within seven days to address the drinking water issues in Kumarpada and Kalibadi. Additionally, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation has been directed to ensure the supply of potable water to all households.

The Sambalpur administration has also been instructed to issue a new Detailed Project Report (DPR). The Health Minister expressed his readiness to visit Sambalpur for a review if necessary and has urged the administration to remain vigilant and maintain close communication with the District Collector.

Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Public Health, stated that district administrations have been briefed on the logistics of deploying vaccination teams to the diphtheria-affected areas.

He also reported 82 cases of jaundice in Sambalpur, with 39 individuals diagnosed with hepatitis A. The status of the two suspected JE cases in Angul remains pending. Additionally, new cases of measles have been reported in Narayanapatna, Koraput, contrary to rumors of an “unknown disease.”