Suspected diarrhoea scare at Utkal University as students fall ill

Bhubaneswar: At least 10 students reportedly fell ill, with one hospitalised, following a suspected diarrhoea outbreak at Utkal University’s women’s hostels in Bhubaneswar, sources said Tuesday.The affected students are reportedly from Ladies’ Hostels No. 6 and 7, sources added.However, the university has not confirmed whether the cases are linked to a diarrhoea outbreak.The illness is suspected to be linked to “contaminated drinking water”, though test results are awaited. A team from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Urban Surveillance Unit visited the hostels and collected water and blood samples for testing. The team also conducted health checks and awareness activities on safe drinking water, food hygiene, handwashing and sanitation.The university administration has reportedly opened a control room, pharmacy and public health facility on campus and supplied 1,000 litres of drinking water to the hostels. Students have been advised to consume boiled water and seek medical attention if their symptoms worsen.The administration said it was closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with students admitted to hospitals to ensure their well-being.