Bhubaneswar, June 24: Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling has raised concerns over the outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis (JE), jaundice, and diphtheria in Angul, Sambalpur, and Rayagada districts.
Holding a review meeting on Monday, the Minister directed state and district authorities to heighten their vigilance and enhance fever surveillance in these areas. The Minister also stressed the importance of providing clean drinking water to the affected regions.
In Sambalpur district alone, 82 jaundice cases have been reported as of June 24, up from 74 cases the previous day. The rapid increase in jaundice cases is attributed to the consumption of street foods such as gupchup, dahibara, and chuski.
In response, the Health Department has intensified awareness campaigns in Sambalpur, conducting door-to-door surveys and collecting water samples from affected areas to prevent further spread. The most impacted areas include Kumbharpada, Saliabagicha, Pensionpada, Dhobapada, and Hirakud Colony.
Authorities are working diligently to address these health crises, ensuring the provision of essential resources and the implementation of preventive measures to protect public health.
