The incidence of diarrhoea was first reported in the hostel run by ST and SC Development Department about ten days ago and more inmates were affected gradually.
While 20 girl students were admitted to the district headquarter hospital two days ago, 22 others to Khajuripada primary health centre earlier, Akshay Mallick Additional District Welfare Officer said.
While most of these girl students have since been discharged, some other patients were provided treatment at nearby health centres, he said.
The disease broke out in the last week of July in the 299-seat hostel apparently due to lack of safe drinking water, said Pranab Parida, Welfare Extension Officer, Khajuripada.
Collector B S Punia, Chief District Medical Officer N C Behera and other officials have visited the affected hostel and took stock of the situation.
The situation is now under control and there is no need for panic, Behera said.