Kyasanur Forest Disease

About Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD):

• KFD, also referred to as Monkey Fever, 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 Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD).
• The causal agent, Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus), is a member of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) complex. 
• Transmission:
  • It is transmitted by a range of tick species, with Haemophysalis spinigera being considered the principal vector. 
  • A wide range of small rodents, monkeys, and birds are thought to play a role in KFD virus transmission. 
  • Transmission to humans may occur after a tick bite or contact with an infected animal, most importantly a sick or recently dead monkey.
  • No person-to-person transmission has been established yet.
  • The epidemic period usually begins in October or November and peaks from January to April, then declines by May and June.
  • 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.
• 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.

Q1: What is a Virus?

A virus is an infectious microbe consisting of a segment of nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. A virus cannot replicate alone; instead, it must infect cells and use components of the host cell to make copies of itself. Often, a virus ends up killing the host cell in the process, causing damage to the host organism. Well-known examples of viruses causing human disease include AIDS, COVID-19, measles and smallpox.

News: C’magaluru on high alert to combat Kyasanur Forest Disease