A 30-year old man died of suspected jaundice in Bhanjanagara area here prompting the authorities to sensitise people fearing an outbreak of the water-borne disease in Ganjam.
The man was identified as Bhikari Pradhan died last week. Several other people in the village are reportedly suffering from the waterborne disease.
A medical team, led by additional district medical officer (public health) Pitambar Das went to the affected area yesterday.
"The cause of the death will be confirmed only after verification of records and his past medical history," said Chief District Medical Officer (in-charge) Uma Kanta Mishra.
The team collected water samples from different sources to test level of contamination. They also collected blood and urine samples from suspected patients after a door-to-door survey.
"The villagers are being sensitised to improve cleanliness and consume safe drinking water, preferably boiled. Whether the water is contaminated will be known after the test," said ADMO Das.
Last month, a 22-year-old youth of Patrapur in the district died at MKCG Medical Colege and Hospital here during treatment for suspected jaundice.
Berhampur is considered vulnearable to the waterborne disease as several water supply pipes are passing through drains. Berhampur Municipal Corporation authorities said they have taken measures to prevent spread of the disease. The civic authorities are creating awareness on the harmful effectes of consuming street food, said S K Das, health officer of the corporation.
Several persons were affected in recent months in Sambalpur while one person died and about 50 others suspectedly affected by the disease in Balangir since last month.
