Sambalpur: The Jaundice outbreak in Sambalpur town caused an alarming situation after a decade with 25 cases reported so far.

The jaundice cases were reported from Kumbharpada, Salia Bagicha and Pension Pada in Sambalpur town. The Health department is closely monitoring the situation in the western Odisha town.

According to reports, as many as 25 patients - mostly teens - were identified within a month. After the Health Department confirmed the cases, preventive measures have been taken by the health authorities.

The local administration has provided medicines to the patients following their medical tests. The health workers have been engaged to create awareness about the spread of jaundice in slums.

During the investigation, the contaminated water used for making chuski -- a popular street delicacy made of compressed ice shavings dipped in flavoured sugar syrups -- was found to be the major cause of the jaundice outbreak in Sambalpur town.

The ASHA workers and locals claimed that a large number of people was infected after consuming gupchup and chuski, which are being prepared from contaminated water.

Reports said that many people in 15 age group suffered from the disease specially during Shital Shasthi festival in the town.

The locals alleged that the administration did not carry out repairing work of the drinking water pipes passing through drains that contaminated the water.