Rourkela: The city of Rourkela in Odisha is grappling with a severe outbreak of cholera, with the death toll reaching ten as of Tuesday. The situation has triggered health concerns as over 500 people have been admitted to hospitals due to symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting. Among the affected, approximately 400 patients are currently undergoing treatment at Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH).
The death toll climbed from nine to ten, with reports of the demise of an eight-year-old girl from Tilaknagar. Laboratory tests of stool samples sent to Sundargarh confirmed the presence of the cholera-causing bacteria Vibrio cholerae, raising worries about the potential spread of the waterborne disease.
In response to the escalating crisis, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is expected to review the situation with senior officials in the evening. Health authorities advised residents to consume adequate oral rehydration solution (ORS) and emphasized the importance of washing hands thoroughly before eating.
Stool samples have been analyzed, with some confirming cholera and others indicating the presence of E.Coli. The exact cause of the deaths will be determined after a death audit report is available, according to Sudharani Pradhan, the superintendent of Rourkela Government Hospital.
Commissioner of Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) stated that there has been significant improvement in the city’s situation. While diarrhoea cases in certain areas are declining, additional medical personnel, including epidemiologists from Sundargarh and Bhubaneswar, have been deployed to provide medical assistance.
Water infrastructure has also been a focus, with the repair of 36 water pipeline leakages in different locations in Rourkela by the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO). RMC continues to monitor food and water samples from affected areas.
Health officials identified water contamination as the likely cause and expressed concerns about delays in launching health education and awareness campaigns, which could have helped contain the spread. The affected patients are receiving treatment at various hospitals, including RGH, Ispat General Hospital (IGH), and Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital. The situation remains under close scrutiny as authorities work to curb the outbreak and prevent further casualties.
