Odisha DPH visits Acute Diarrheal Disease outbreak areas of Kanas Block; evaluates clinical management practices
Bhubaneswar(22/01/2025): In response to the ongoing Acute Diarrheal Disease (ADD) outbreak in Kanas block in Puri district, a high-level team led by Dr.Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Public Health, Odisha, and Dr.Sunita Jena, Epidemiologist from the State Surveillance Unit, conducted an on-site visit to assess the situation and guide intervention efforts. The team visited the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Kanas to interact with affected patients and evaluate clinical management practices.
Discussions were held with medical officers on the treatment protocols being followed and efforts to manage the outbreak. A critical stakeholder meeting was convened with local health and administrative officials, where the urgency of addressing the outbreak through improved sanitation, safe drinking water, and effective waste management was emphasized.
The outbreak was identified as being primarily linked to poor sanitation and contaminated water from the river Dayanadi. During field visits to Nuagaon and Jaguleipadar villages, the team observed the need for heightened community awareness and stronger interdepartmental coordination to control the disease.
The team urged the local administration to focus on cleaning blocked canals and providing additional water tankers to affected villages.
A comprehensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to promote safe hygiene practices and latrine usage was also recommended. Health officials have highlighted the importance of collaboration among health, administrative, and community leaders to ensure a sustainable response.
Volunteers will play a key role in discouraging the use of contaminated river water and in educating the communities on safe water sources. A multi-sectoral approach involving various stakeholders is deemed essential to successfully curb the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.
Continuous follow-up visits and monthly stakeholder meetings will be conducted to monitor progress and address emerging challenges. The Health and Family Welfare Department remains committed to taking proactive steps and ensuring comprehensive responses to protect public health.
