Cholera outbreak reflects a serious public health crisis in Odisha with 14 deaths so far
As of June 15, 2025, State is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak, primarily affecting districts such as Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Keonjhar.
Bhubaneswar: Cholera outbreak in different areas of the state reflects a serious public health crisis in Odisha with 14 deaths so far. Taking a serious note of the incident, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling visited affected Jajpur district today.
While diarrhoea was detected around June 9, but the surge in cases and deaths over the next few days raises pertinent questions whether initial response was slow.
As of June 15, 2025, State is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak, primarily affecting districts such as Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Keonjhar.
The outbreak has claimed at least 14 lives, with the death toll rising from 5 to 7 in Jajpur alone over the past few days, and additional deaths reported in Bhadrak and Keonjhar.
Over 1,500 people have been infected across the state, with more than 600 cases initially reported in Jajpur, where the crisis began around June 9.
The disease has spread to neighboring districts, with confirmed cases of Vibrio cholerae in water sources and stool samples.
Patients are experiencing acute watery diarrhea and severe dehydration, leading to hospitalizations.
The worst-affected areas in Jajpur include Danagadi and Dharmasala blocks, with many requiring advanced care at facilities like SCB Medical College in Cuttack.
The outbreak coincides with the monsoon season, exacerbating waterborne disease risks.
Health officials, including Public Health Director Dr Nilakantha Mishra, have identified impure drinking water as the primary cause. Laboratory tests confirmed cholera in 8 out of 41 samples from Jajpur and Bhadrak, pointing to contaminated water sources as the transmission vector.
The outbreak has intensified fears of wider contagion, prompting a high-level response. A central team from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), WHO, and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) arrived on June 15 to assist. The situation remains critical, with ongoing monitoring and treatment efforts.
Meanwhile, the opposition parties have alleged the delayed action by the Health Department, inadequate water safety measures, and absence of timely awareness campaigns have led to 14 deaths so far.
