Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Diarrhoea Outbreak Claims Three Lives in Ganjam Villages
Several villages in Ganjam district are facing an outbreak of diarrhoea.
At least three people have died, and many others have become sick.
Five patients are being treated at MKCG Medical College and Hospital.
Officials think contaminated food may have caused the illness after a village feast.
However, they have not yet confirmed the cause.
They are testing water and other samples to investigate.
Medical teams are visiting the villages and treating patients.
Health workers are also watching children and other residents for symptoms.
A village leader has asked officials to repair and disinfect tube-wells.
At least three people have died and several others are seriously ill in a diarrhoea outbreak affecting villages in Ganjam district.
The affected areas include Patashala, Marthapur and Rajanapalli villages under Dharakote and Sanakhemundi blocks.
Five patients from Marthapur are receiving treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital.
Health officials suspect food poisoning after several residents fell ill following a post-death feast, but the exact cause remains unconfirmed.
Medical teams are treating residents, monitoring suspected cases and testing drinking-water samples and other materials from the affected villages.
- Who
- Residents of Patashala, Marthapur and Rajanapalli villages; medical teams and district health officials are responding.
- What
- A diarrhoea outbreak has killed at least three people and left several others seriously ill.
- When
- The latest reported death occurred on September 30; another death was reported around 12 days earlier.
- Where
- The outbreak is affecting villages under Dharakote and Sanakhemundi blocks in Ganjam district, with patients treated at MKCG Medical College and Hospital.
- Why
- Officials suspect food poisoning, possibly linked to a post-death feast, while water contamination and sanitation concerns are also being investigated.
Food Poisoning Possibility
Water and Sanitation Concerns
Likely source of the outbreak
Food Poisoning Possibility
Health officials suspect food poisoning because several people reportedly developed diarrhoea and vomiting after attending a post-death feast.
Water and Sanitation Concerns
The Marthapur sarpanch has sought repairs and disinfection of village tube-wells, indicating concern about possible water contamination; officials are testing water samples.
Certainty about the cause
Food Poisoning Possibility
The timing of the illnesses after the feast supports food poisoning as a possible explanation.
Water and Sanitation Concerns
The cause remains unconfirmed, and testing of water and other materials is still underway.
- Deaths
- At least three people
- Affected villages
- Patashala, Marthapur and Rajanapalli
- Hospitalized patients
- Five patients from Marthapur are at MKCG Medical College and Hospital
- Latest reported death
- Surendra Mallik, 60, died while receiving treatment on September 30
- Suspected cause
- Possible food poisoning; the exact cause has not been established
- Testing
- Drinking-water samples and other materials have been sent for testing
- Preventive request
- The Marthapur sarpanch urged officials to repair and disinfect village tube-wells