Bhubaneswar, Oct. 27: In the last five days, government-run hospitals have been witnessing a rush of patients suffering from water-borne and other infectious diseases.

Though water level has started to recede at several low-lying areas, including Bomikhal, Laxmisagar, Chintamaniswar, Bhimatangi, Soubhagya Nagar, Nayapalli, Behera Sahi, Iskcon temple, Jayadev Vihar and Acharya Vihar, the residents of these areas fear an outbreak of water-borne diseases.

A doctor said that the number of patients suffering from diseases such as cholera, dysentery, diarrhoea and typhoid have increased as several areas continue to remain waterlogged.

While Capital Hospital authorities claim that 50 patients are arriving everyday with such symptoms, the count for BMC Hospital is about 30.

The doctors are worried that the number of such patients would increase in the days to come.

These diseases, which are not usually life threatening, can however leave one exhausted and bed-ridden for a couple of weeks.

“Keeping an eye on the situation, our doctors have been asked to stay alert. All the dispensaries have been provided with adequate stock of bleaching powder and halogen tablets. Our health workers have also been asked to create awareness among residents of low-lying areas,” said director of Capital Hospital Sudhir Chandra Mallik.

Neonatologist Arijit Mohapatra said he was coming across at least five such cases every day. He, however, urged parents not to panic.

“To prevent these diseases from spreading further, the affected kids should not go out. They should stay in isolation till cured. However, these diseases are manageable through out patient department consultation,” the doctor said.

P.K. Mohanty, medical superintendent of Sum Hospital, said: “We are yet to come across any such patients this season, but parents should not worry if their child gets infected. It can be cured through paediatric consultation.”