Narendra Raut, OP
Koraput: Four persons, including a four-year-old boy and two elderly people, have died during the last four days due to suspected food poisoning, sparking panic at Odapara village under Dasmantpur block in Koraput district.
Three others are undergoing treatment at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH), according to reports.
Officials said the first casualty was reported Thursday when 42-year-old Manindra Gouda died during treatment at SLNMCH. A day later, four-year-old Rajesh Gouda passed away, while 60-year-old Naina Gouda succumbed, followed by death of Khagapati Gouda, 60, Sunday. All four had been admitted to SLNMCH with complaints of vomiting and uneasiness.
“The sudden deaths have sparked fear among the villagers,” said sarpanch Maheswar Gadba.
A medical team from Koraput visited the remote village Sunday and collected water samples for laboratory testing. Chief district medical and public health officer Rabi Narayan Mishra said no new cases were reported Sunday and the situation is under control.
“The deaths are suspected to be linked to food poisoning as the affected persons had attended a community feast. However, water samples have been collected for confirmation,” Mishra said.
The district administration has chlorinated all drinking water sources and deployed a mobile health unit. Additional district public health officer Siba Sai Swarup ruled out a diarrhoea outbreak in the village.