Orissa health department has reported that at least 43 persons have died of diarrhoea which broke out in epidemic form in Kashipur block of Rayagada district. Rayagada is a tribal area of the state and the medical services are very poor.

43 persons have died in Kashipur block and more than 50 have been admitted in hospitals for treatment. Chinmay Basu (Health Secretary) has conducted a survey with 12 medical teams in Kashipur block.

State Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, "The 12 medical teams had already reached the affected area and the Health Secretary is also monitoring the situation at Kashipur. The disease surveillance cell has been monitoring the situation round the clock."

As per the Medical teams, the main reason behind the epidemic could be contaminated water and food. However, a complete report will be submitted after the survey is finished. Samples of urine, blood and stool have been collected from many villages in the region.