A mysterious disease that began spreading in Eluru city in Andhra Pradesh claimed one life on Sunday even as 292 residents fell sick. However, more than 140 patients who were sick have returned home after receiving treatment at local hospitals while the condition of the others is stable, West Godavari district medical and health officials said.

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy spoke with AP Chief Secretary Nilam Sawhney over phone and enquired about the situation and said the Centre was ready to extend any possible help. The Union Home Ministry was also in touch with the Governor's office over this, official sources here said.