A disease suspected to be diphtheria claimed five lives in a village located in the Rayagada district of Odisha as of June 14th. 

The disease has currently affected 15 individuals, including elderly people, children, and adolescents.

The outbreak began a week ago, and the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Rayagada confirmed the deaths and reported that three other children are undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital. 

Blood samples from the children showing symptoms have been sent to Bhubaneswar for testing to confirm the diagnosis.

A health team led by a child specialist visited the village on June 12th and found one adult, Dhamu Majhi, aged 61 years, with similar symptoms. 

Poor connectivity and transport facilities in the village have added to the woes. 

A team from WHO, the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), and public health specialists are also investigating the cases, conducting surveys to determine the source and spread of the illness. 

The immunization status of the dead children is not yet specified.

This year, in February, four people from the same district reportedly died due to an unidentified disease that also infected around 50 people in the village.