Cholera has resurfaced in Odisha’s tribal dominated Rayagada as nine out of 10 samples of rectal swab of patients in the district were found to have the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
The samples collected from patients since July 27 were examined at the Regional Medical and Research Centre (RMRC) field unit in Rayagada, which confirmed the presence of the carrier bacteria, officials said on Sunday.
“Cholera affected patients are being treated and no casualty has been reported. The situation is under control. We are closely monitoring the situation,” said Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) (Rayagada) P K Das.
Five out of the nine affected samples are from Padmapur block, three from Pitamahal on the outskirts of Rayagada town and one from Srinivasnagar, he said.
“Adequate steps have been taken to check the disease and there is no need to panic. The district administration has launched a massive disinfection drive. Appropriate steps have been initiated to create awareness among the people”, said a senior official.
Cholera breaks out due to various reasons including consumption of contaminated water, said a health expert adding the bacteria’s toxic shape increases in favourable climate.
Cholera had erupted in Rayagada district in 2010 and 2012 affecting many people. Cholera and gastroenteritis had earlier struck Rayagada, Koraput and Kalahandi districts in 2007.
