Kyasanur Forest Disease

Kyasanur Forest Disease Latest News

A 29-year-old man in Karnataka has tragically lost his life recently after contracting Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever, bringing fresh attention to a disease that often goes unnoticed until it turns fatal.

About Kyasanur Forest Disease 

• It is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic disease mostly found in southern India.
• The disease was first reported from the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka in India in 1957; hence, it is known as KFD.
• The causal agent, KFD Virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus), is a member of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) complex. 
• It is also known as “monkey disease/monkey fever” because of its association with monkey deaths. 

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Kyasanur Forest Disease Transmission

• Hard ticks (Hemaphysalis spinigera) spread the KFD virus to people and to animals, like monkeys and rodents.
• Transmission to humans may occur after a tick bite or contact with an infected animal, most importantly a sick or recently dead monkey.
• KFD does not spread between people.
• The epidemic period usually begins in October or November and peaks from January to April, then declines by May and June.

Kyasanur Forest Disease Symptoms

• Sudden onset of high-grade fever, prostration, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and occasionally neurological and haemorrhagic manifestations.
• Between 5 and 10% of people who are known to be affected by KFD die.

Kyasanur Forest Disease Treatment

• There is no cure for KFD.
• Supportive care is crucial, including fluid balance, providing oxygen, managing blood pressure, and treating additional infections.
• With quick medical care, many patients recover from KFD without complications. 

Kyasanur Forest Disease  Vaccine

A vaccine for KFD is available and recommended in the parts of India where KFD is found.

Source: TOI