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Dhenkanal, May 8: The number of diarrhoea-affected persons in Similia Driver Sahi of ward no.19 of this municipality shot up to 260 from Thursday’s 125 till Friday evening.
The patients fell sick after eating in a marriage feast Wednesday. The situation went beyond control Friday as the patients thronged the district headquarters hospital (DHH).
Patients were seen receiving treatment outside the hospital as it couldn’t accommodate such a large number of patients.
A medical team also camped at Similia village to treat new patients.
On being alerted, MLA Saroj Kumar Samal, collector Roopa Roshan Sahoo, ADM Sushamarani Devi, project director of DRDA Madhusudan Mishra and other officials rushed to the DHH to take stock of the situation.
The district health department has been asked to provide all sorts of help to the patients. Sahoo also directed the team of doctors to remain present at Similia to administer treatment to the patients.
According to locals, over 500 people were invited to attend the marriage feast hosted by Jagat Behera of the area. The guests suddenly took ill after taking foods. The ‘dahibara’ and ‘khiri’ as well as the water served during the programme made people suffer this condition, locals said.
Twenty six persons from bride’s family of Berhampura village under Hindol block who consumed food in the feast were also admitted to Khajuriakata health centre. Some police officials were also admitted to a hospital at Reserve Police Line after eating in the feast.
Water samples from the area have been sent for laboratory test and the situation is improving gradually, CDMO Sangram Kishore Dash said, adding two medical teams are attending the patients in Similia village.
Padmanav Nayak, municipality executive officer said, tents and fans have been arranged for the patients undergoing treatment outside the hospital.
While the wells and ponds in the village are being disinfected, garbage has been removed from the village, sources said.
