Sambalpur: Amid spread of diphtheria in some southern Odisha districts, jaundice scare has now gripped the western city of Sambalpur where 25 cases have been detected.
According to sources, around 25 persons from some localities of the city have been diagnosed with the disease. Most of the patients are in their teens.
Health department is closely monitoring the situation in areas like Kukharpada, Shalia Bagicha and Pension Pada of the city after jaundice cases were reported from these localities.
After surveillance, it is feared that the number of infected people could increase in areas under the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC).
While the infected persons have been examined and given medicines, health workers visited different places and alerted the people and urged them to observe caution while taking food and water outside.
Water samples have also been collected from roadside eateries and fast-food vendors in the city.
The district health authorities have provided medicines to the patients after conducting necessary medical tests. The situation is now stated to be under control.
Preliminary investigation showed that contaminated water used for roadside food could be the main reason behind the outbreak of jaundice in the city.
There are some common symptoms of jaundice such as change of colour of skin and other body parts into yellow, stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, fatigue, and bloating. Health workers are visiting different areas, particularly slums, to spread awareness among people.
