BERHAMPUR: With the death of a nine-year old girl in Titirising village of Ankuli panchayat in Patrapur block on Friday, the diarrhoea toll reached 11 in the district.
The disease was first reported in Tuburusing village on October 9. Subsequently, it spread to nearby villages. The district health officials have opened a temporary health centre at Tadakasahi village. Health workers and doctors are touring the affected villages and providing treatment to patients at the temporary centre.
District Malaria Officer Dr Uma Mishra, who is also in charge ADMO, Public Health said the health centre will continue to operate till the disease is contained. He added that the villagers are using contaminated water of a nearby stream and open wells aiding the disease to spread.
There are 49 villages under Ankuli panchayat including eight hamlets. After the outbreak of diarrhoea, most of the villagers deserted their homes and are staying in nearby non-affected villages.
A Central health team is expected to visit the district soon.