Kyasanur Forest Disease

Kyasanur Forest Disease Latest News

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), or "monkey fever," is currently surging in Karnataka's Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts recently.

About Kyasanur Forest Disease

• KFD, also referred to as Monkey Fever, is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic disease, which can be fatal to humans and other primates.
• It is 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, Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus), is a member of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) complex. 
• The epidemic period usually begins in October or November and peaks from January to April, then declines by May and June.
• Transmission:
  • Hard ticks (Hemaphysalis spinigera) spread the KFD virus to people and to animals, like monkeys and rodents.
  • No person-to-person transmission has been established yet.
• Symptoms: 
  • Most people with KFD have a sudden onset of chills, fever, and headache.
  • Severe muscle pain, vomiting, gastrointestinal symptoms, and bleeding can follow 3 or 4 days after symptoms begin.
  • Most patients recover one to two weeks after symptoms begin. 
  • About 10 to 20% of patients experience a second wave of symptoms, including severe headache, mental disturbances, tremors, and vision problems.
  • Between 5 and 10% of people who are known to be affected by KFD die.
• Treatment:
  • There is no cure for KFD.
  • Supportive care is crucial, including fluid balance, providing oxygen, managing blood pressure, and treating additional infections.
• Vaccine: A vaccine for KFD is available and recommended in the parts of India where KFD is found.

Kyasanur Forest Disease FAQs

Q1. What is the Kyasanur Forest disease?

Ans. It is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever mostly found in southern India.

Q2. What is the vector of the Kyasanur Forest disease?

Ans. The main vector for Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is the tick Haemaphysalis spinigera.

Q3. What is the mortality rate of KFD?

Ans. 5 to 10%

Source: TOI