Cases among Odisha tribes rise, 35 infected

BHUBANESWAR: With the second wave of Covid-19 sweeping across rural areas of Odisha, infections among the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGS), including the Bonda and Dongaria Kondh tribes, have increased to 35 within a fortnight, officials familiar with the development said on Sunday.

According to the officials, 12 members of the Bonda tribe, known for its secluded lifestyle, have tested positive for Covid-19 since the first case was reported on April 26. “So far we have tested 61 Bonda tribals and found 12 positive. Four persons have recovered and the remaining 8 are in home isolation,” said Prafulla Nanda, the chief district medical officer in Malkangiri.

Similarly, 23 members of the Dongria Kondh tribe, have tested positive for the disease in Parasali panchayat in Rayagada.