Berhampur (Odisha), Jul 23 (PTI) Suspected diarrhoea has claimed the lives of three persons and affected several others in at least four villages in Odisha's Ganjam district, officials said on Wednesday.

The casualties were reported from Damapur village under Sanakhemundi block, when several villagers began showing symptoms such as vomiting and loose motion, according to the district health department.

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According to officials, Sambaru Mallick (63) and Kandara Mallick (60) died at their homes on Monday, while Sukura Mallick (45) passed away on Tuesday night at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where she was undergoing treatment.

At least seven others have been affected by the water-borne disease, four of whom are currently admitted at MKCG Hospital, while others were initially treated at Digapahandi Community Health Centre.

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Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Sukant Kumar Nayak said the exact cause of the deaths is still being determined, and laboratory reports are awaited.

Health teams have been deployed, and a temporary health camp has been set up in the village.

Health officials have collected stool and water samples for testing and launched an awareness campaign urging villagers to consume boiled water and maintain hygiene.

Water sources have been disinfected, and halogen tablets along with ORS packets have been distributed.

A fortnight ago, at least two persons died of suspected diarrhoea in Ustapalli, a village under Digapahandi block.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)