A suspected diarrhoea outbreak in Ganjam has raised concern in Podamari Panchayat under Sanakhemundi block, with more than 20 people reportedly falling ill in Marthapur and nearby Patashala village. Claims of four deaths have also emerged, although the exact number of outbreak-related fatalities has not been independently established.
The affected area includes Marthapur village in Podamari Panchayat and Patashala village under Dharakote block. According to the information available, several people developed symptoms after attending a feast held in connection with the death rituals of a Marthapur resident.
Feast-linked illness raises concern in Ganjam
According to the information provided, Bharat Malik of Marthapur had died around 15 days ago after reportedly suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting. After the feast held during his twelfth-day ritual, five people from Marthapur and around 15 people from Patashala village reportedly developed similar symptoms.
A separate local report published on September 30 said diarrhoea had been spreading in Marthapur for around four days and reported the death of 60-year-old Surendra Mallik. It also said four other people were undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
Another report from the same date said Patashala village had recorded one death and more than 15 affected people. It reported that medical teams from Dharakote and Manikpur health facilities had visited the village and treated affected residents.
Health teams monitor affected villages
The reported cases have prompted health teams to visit the affected areas and provide medical assistance. Some patients have reportedly been shifted to nearby healthcare facilities for treatment.
The exact source of the illness has not yet been established. According to the September 30 report, health officials were considering food poisoning as a possible cause after some affected residents attended a feast at Podamari, but the cause remained under investigation.
The situation is being closely watched as authorities work to identify the source of the illness and prevent further spread.
Residents in the affected villages are awaiting further health department updates, particularly regarding the reported deaths and the number of people currently receiving treatment.
The Ganjam diarrhoea outbreak remains a developing local health concern, with medical teams monitoring affected residents and investigating the circumstances surrounding the reported cases.
