Dengue Crisis in Odisha: Khurda Reports Over 500 Cases, Emerges as Hotspot

Bhubaneswar: Dengue cases are on the rise across Odisha, with the number of infections nearing 2,000. Khordha district has been the most affected, reporting around 500 cases, followed by Sundargarh, Rourkela, Bolangir and Cuttack.

In response, the State government, in collaboration with district administrations, has ramped up efforts to control the spread of the disease. The death of Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram’s wife, Jhingia Oram, due to dengue in a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, has heightened concerns about the outbreak.

Odisha Public Health Director Dr. Nilakantha Mishra stated, “We are actively addressing dengue outbreaks with the support of the Municipal Corporation. Measures for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are in place.”

In Bhubaneswar, 13 positive cases were identified from 192 tested samples on Friday. Capital Hospital has established two special wards for dengue patients, with 14 patients currently under treatment, all in stable condition. An additional 20 beds have been reserved for potential cases.

Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das noted that while the dengue situation in the city is under better control compared to last year, vigilance remains high. Preventive actions include regular application of mosquito oil, cleaning stagnant water, continuous fogging, and public awareness campaigns. She urged residents to seek medical advice promptly if they experience fever.