Odisha Cholera Outbreak Turns Into Epidemic: 6 Districts Affected, 7 Dead in Jajpur

Odisha is grappling with a cholera and diarrhoea outbreak that has spread to many districts, claimed at least 15 lives and left more than 1,500 people afflicted, the New Indian Express reported.

According to Odisha TV, the worst-affected districts are Jajpur, Keonjhar, Cuttack, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, and Dhenkanal.

The situation has prompted urgent containment efforts from both state and central authorities.

Jajpur remains the worst-affected, with seven deaths and over 260 people undergoing treatment for acute diarrhoeal symptoms.

A central medical team has confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for cholera, in samples collected from the district.

To curb the spread, local administrations have imposed restrictions in high-risk areas. In Jajpur’s Binjharpur, Vyasanagar, Dharmasala, and Bari, all hotels, food stalls, and meat shops have been ordered shut for two weeks.

A fresh cluster of cases has also emerged in Cuttack’s Tangi-Choudwar block. At least 15 people in Sundari village under Safa panchayat have reported acute diarrhoea symptoms.

Several have been admitted to SCB Medical College and are under observation. This has led to increased surveillance and water testing in the surrounding areas.

Odisha Health Secretary Aswathy S visited Jajpur on Monday (16 June) to assess the ground situation.

She toured affected hospitals and held a high-level meeting with district officials and health workers.

Health authorities have issued public advisories urging residents to avoid roadside food, drink only boiled or purified water, and report early symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea.

Despite ongoing measures, the situation in Jajpur remains critical, with new cases emerging daily. Officials warn that failure to identify and eliminate the contamination source could escalate the outbreak further.

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