Berhampur: Weeks after an explosive outbreak of diarrhoea in Jajpur, the waterborne disease has claimed at least two lives and affected over 150 people in Digapahandi block of Odisha's Ganjam district in the last three days. The surge in cases was reported on Saturday in tribal dominated Ustalli village under Sahadev Tikarpada panchayat of the block. 

One of the deceased was identified as Das Sabar (55). At least 10 people are undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College and hospital. they were shifted from Digapahandi community health centre after their health conditions deteriorated. 

While the exact cause behind sudden spread of diarrhoea is still being investigated, contaminated water source is believed to have triggered it. 

Health officials at the block level shared that the water  and stool samples have been sent for testing and the report is yet to arrive. Meanwhile, a rapid action and mobile health teams rushed to the village soon after getting inputs on the outbreak from the State Disease surveillance system. They started field operations by distributing medicines, ORS packets, halazone tablets to affected people.

On Sunday, Digapahandi MLA Sidhant Mohapatra visited the affected village and interacted with health officials and locals to assess the situation. 

Reviewing the situation today, Secretary Health and Family Welfare Aswatthy S. directed to step up awareness and prevention measures in surrounding areas. With her instructions, another team has been deputed to the village to oversee and monitor the ground situation while working in tandem with district teams to combat any further spread of the disease. 

Official sources said the situation is stable now and intensive campaigns are being conducted to spread public awareness on hygiene practices. "People are advised not to panic and follow all instructions and advisories by health officials," they added. 

In June, diarrhoea outbreak in Jajpur district snowballed into an epidemic claiming 21 lives and affecting nearly 1700 people.