Diarrhoea Cases In Srikakulam Rise To 76, Two Deaths Reported

The affected areas include Dammalaveedi, Manguvarithota, Gudiveedi and Kakiveedi within the municipal limits. Health officials were alerted on February 23 by an auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM), following which epidemic response teams were pressed into service. Door-to-door surveys were immediately launched in the affected localities.

While 54 cases were detected initially, the number increased to 76 by 4.30 pm on Tuesday. Patients have been shifted to various hospitals and are undergoing treatment.

According to officials, one patient died while undergoing treatment at the Government General Hospital, while another death was recorded as suspected. Doctors said a 42-year-old man succumbed to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) on Monday morning.

The district collector visited the affected areas and reviewed the situation. A review meeting with officials of all departments was held at 10 pm, during which instructions were issued to keep all Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) open round the clock. Five teams of medical officers and 10 survey teams have been deployed to monitor the situation.

A control room has been set up at the municipal office under the supervision of the District Programme Management Officer (DPMO). A 108 ambulance has been kept on standby to handle emergency cases.

Medical staff are creating awareness among residents on preventive measures, including consuming boiled water, eating hygienic food and maintaining clean surroundings. Officials said all UPHCs in Srikakulam town are functioning 24/7 to provide medical assistance.

The health department said all necessary steps are being taken to bring the situation under control.

Hospital-wise case details:

RIMS GGH, Srikakulam – 14

KIMS, Srikakulam – 24

GEMS Hospital – 6

UPHC, Kakiveedi – 3

Other private hospitals – 5

Discharged – 5

Identified during door-to-door survey (no hospitalisation required) – 17