KENDRAPARA: At least 120 villagers under Rajnagar block in the district have been affected by gastroenteritis in the last four days. Belonging to Dalitapada, Belapala, Bhatapada, Praharajpur, Prasanapur and Balabhadraprasadpur of the block, they are undergoing treatment at Kendrapara Hospital.
Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO) M Beg said drinking water samples were collected from the villages and sent for test which revealed presence of the bacteria causing diarrhoea. “We have urged RWSS wing to disinfect tubewells in these villages,” he informed. Two medical teams are camping in the village to monitor the situation. Locals alleged that contractors in nexus with RWSS officials had sunk shallow tubewells instead of deep tubewells. As a result, the water often gets infected during the monsoon.