Mandya : People of  Hampapura, a tiny village  in Mandya district  are affected by  various diseases, thanks to lack of hygiene in the village. Of late many of the residents of this village are suffering from fever, chills, muscle cramps and  body ache. They suspect these to be symptoms of Chikungunya. The illness has already claimed the life of one person.

A team of doctors has visited this village which is 17 km away from Mandya and is examining the patients. Around 350 families are residing in this village and since the past few days most of the families are affected by some ailment. Most are undergoing treatment in various health centres and in hospitals of Mandya.

One reason cited for the illness is the  overflowing waste  water right in front of all houses. To add to that the entire village presents a dismal picture with wastes scattered all around. Ningayya, a resident of the village who was suffering from fever and diarrhea  died about three days ago while being  shifted to the hospital. Though the suspicion is that he might have been  suffering from Chikungunya, the lab test report is awaited.

Dr Renuka, Medical Officer of a local Primary Health Centre suspects that consumption of contaminated water has led to the present  health problem. She said an awareness is being created among villagers on the need to consume boiled water.