Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday directed the health department and Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) to start an inquiry into the diphtheria cases in the Rayagada district and take all possible steps to bring the situation to normal.

The direction was issued after the RMRC confirmed a death because of diphtheria at Manuspadar village of Kashipur block in Rayagada district. It was the fifth case in the series of deaths suspected because of diphtheria.

“A prophylactic dose of antibiotic has been given to all susceptible persons in the community and the symptomatic patients are responding to treatment. The situation is under control,” a statement issued by the chief minister’s office said.

The chief minister has also directed the panchayati raj department to provide a supply of drinking water and construct a motorable road to the place at the earliest.

Official sources said that at least five reported deaths have taken place at Manuspadar village in Kashipur block of Rayagada district over one month. The village is in a remote and difficult area. The outbreak of the disease started last week.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

Chief district medical officer (CDMO) of Rayagada, Dr Lalmohan Routray said: “Blood samples of the affected persons have been collected and sent to Bhubaneswar for test to ascertain the disease.”

A health department team visited the village and carried out door-to-door screening and treatment, the official said, adding that health teams are visiting daily and closely monitoring the situation.