Kendrapada: An outbreak of suspected gastroenteritis has resulted in the death of a 43-year-old man on Wednesday night and hospitalisation of nearly 12 residents, including five women, of Bausadola village under Dharmasala block in Jajpur district.Deceased Badal Mallick (43) of Bausadola village under Anjira gram panchayat was earlier admitted to the community health centre (CHC) at Dharamsala with complaints of vomiting, stomach cramp, loose motion and uneasiness. He was discharged on Wednesday, but later died at home in the night.A medical team, which visited Bausadola village after the death, took three water samples and as many stool samples of patients, and sent them to a lab in Cuttack for investigation. “We have launched an awareness campaign to contain the outbreak in the affected village, and advised villagers to consume boiled water. Health officials are also distributing ORS packets and conducting door-to-door visits to identify new cases. Preventive medicines have also been given to people,” said medical officer of the CHC, Dr Sudhir Sahoo, adding the situation is under control.He further said the health department is closely monitoring the situation.“Gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, can be fatal, particularly in vulnerable populations like infants, older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems. Uncovered well and water tanks in the villages are the main reason behind the spread of water-borne diseases and viral fever. It is crucial to prioritise hygiene, ensure hands are thoroughly washed, and food is properly cooked and stored. We have stocked sufficient medicines in hospitals,” added Dr Sahoo.Villagers alleged they have been consuming water from polluted sources as the authorities have failed to provide proper drinking water.Last year, at least 14 people died of diarrhoea and cholera in the district.