Two specialist doctors from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi arrived here on Tuesday to take stock of the situation arising out of the uncontrolled spread of jaundice in this premier western Odisha city for the last few weeks.
Officially, 15 people have died so far, but this number is on the lower side as claimed by locals. Further, more than 1,100 people are now affected by the disease in different parts of the city. Dr Bikram Katchu accompanied by one his colleagues from the NCDC, is here to ascertain the cause behind the disease that has assumed menacing proportions.
“While finding out the causes, we will also work on what extra preventive measures can be taken to control the present situation,” said Dr Katuch.
“Since the people of the town and the district administration are worried lots, our prime job will be to ascertain the exact cause (of uncontrolled spread of the disease) and prevent it from spreading further,” he added.
Meanwhile, the district administration has banned all kinds of uncooked food materials like those served with Idli, Bara, Singda, Aluchap, etc., sour water served with Gupchup and similar other food items in the town from Tuesday. The administration is giving special thrust on clean drinking water and food. Massive awareness drives are on through advertisements by loudspeakers.
