PNN/IANS
Sambalpur/Bhubaneswar, Dec 21: With authorities confirming the death of one more patient, the jaundice toll in Sambalpur town rose to 18 Sunday. Over 1,200 people have been affected by the epidemic that started in May.
The latest victim was Atmaram Surujal(52), a farmer of Ainthapali of Dhama panchayat. He was hospitalised November 12. Later the condition turned critical and his family members took him to Sambalpur district headquarter hospital December 14. He died Sunday morning.
Friday, another victim Saroja Devi, 25, died at a hospital in Burla, 14km from the district headquarter town of Samablpur, chief district medical officer JK Samantaray said. She was pregnant.
A filthy drainage system and damaged water supply pipelines are blamed for the spread of the disease in the city that has a population of nearly two lakh. Offcials said municipal water meant for drinking was contaminated because of cross leakages in the rusty water supplylines and the city’s sewers.
Officials said the spread of the epidemic was partly contained. Only three to four cases are reported daily as compared to the 20-30 cases reported in the initial months. The administration has stopped supply of drinking water through pipelines and is using tankers to meet the demand. Health officials have launched a door-to-door campaign and are urging people to drink boiled water.
NGO, Water Initiatives Odisha (WIO), said River Mahanadi which supplies water to the city has been heavily polluted. Huge quantities of sewage water and solid waste are discharged into it.
“At least 40 per cent of the city residents defecate in the open. More than 10,000 people defecate every day on the banks of the river,” WIO convener Ranjan Panda said.
