In Devagondanahalli village, Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district, a mysterious illness causing swollen legs and severe body aches has been on the rise for the past month and a half. The villagers struggle to wake up and perform their daily tasks, with many bedridden due to the condition. Symptoms commonly include fever and joint pain, resembling chikungunya, though no confirmed cases have been reported.
Despite frequent visits to government and private hospitals, villagers find little relief. Satish, a resident, has been confined to his home for two months, unable to work as a taxi driver in Bengaluru due to worsening joint pain. His entire family, like many others in the village, experiences similar symptoms. Blood tests indicate viral fever, yet rest and medical advice have not improved their condition.
Lakkamma, another villager, reports that people of all ages suffer from the illness, losing appetite and struggling with daily activities due to aching fingers. The village of 400 families sees at least one ill person in every household, severely impacting their ability to work on their land and perform daily chores.
Villagers claim that no doctors have inspected the village. They have sought treatment in nearby hospitals in Kalasapura, Sindagere, and Chikkamagaluru. Taluk Medical Officer Dr. Seema stated that regular larvae surveys are being conducted, and she plans to visit the village on Thursday. A fever clinic may be opened if necessary to address the outbreak.