Nayagarh: Jaundice has assumed epidemic proportions spreading panic among the residents of villages under Balugaon panchayat in Nayagarh district. More than 40 villagers are reported to been affected of the disease in the area in the past week.
All the affected persons are from Club Sahi, Bania Sahi and Gadabhitar Sahi under Balugaon panchayat. Among the affected are an Asha worker Prabhat Panda’s daughter Barsharani Das and an Anganwadi worker’s husband named Dinabandhu Nayak.
While the Health department is yet to take necessary steps to tackle the water-borne disease, it is apprehended that the situation may become explosive with lack of quality health care service in the area. Lack of proper sanitation and drinking water facilities are the main reason of the outbreak of the disease.
Moreover, heaps of garbage strewn all around the area with overflowing open drains have made matters worse.
Some of the affected persons are Indramani Swain, Bhabagrahi Swain, Prabhat Kumar Dalbehera, Asha Dalbeheera, Ranjit Behera, Kesab Chandra Dalbehera, Debasis Das, Puspanjali Pradhan, Pramila Nayak, Mamata Dakua and Saroj Kumar Rout of Gadabhitar Sahi.
The affected are undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital (DHH).
When contacted, the Chief district headquarters hospital (CDMO), Sweta Mahapatra said that a medical team has been sent to collect water samples for examination and take immediate steps to stop the spread of the disease.
Necessary steps will be taken after the sample report arrives, she added.
It may be noted here that at least 50 people from five villages under Kridaspur panchayat and over 40 people from four villages under Saradhapur panchayat were affected by the disease.
PNN
