Sambalpur: Emergency Response; Hirakud Hospital Overwhelmed as Diarrhea Deaths Rise

Sambalpur: The situation in Hirakud is becoming increasingly terrible as the death toll from diarrhea has risen to three. The newest victim, Jamuna Behera, 60, of the Mehentarpada area of Nuabazaar, died today. This comes after the deaths of Tikeswar Nayak from Kalupada and Yudhisthira Dharua from Bajrapali.

The early cases resulted in an increase in patients seeking treatment at Hirakud Hospital, with the overflow requiring treatment on the verandah due to a lack of beds. The outbreak is believed to stem from contaminated tap water, although infection rates have slightly decreased since the initial spike.

To tackle the outbreak, Asha workers and medical staff are distributing medication door-to-door, and the administration is conducting an awareness campaign through announcements. Medical teams are also visiting homes in mobile vans, while public health department officials assess water pipes throughout the city and remove drain pipes in an effort to contain the spread.

Despite these efforts, three more patients were admitted to the hospital today, emphasizing the continued urgency of the situation.