Monkey Fever, scientifically known as Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), has claimed two lives in Karnataka this year, shedding light on the urgency of understanding, preventing, and battling this tick-borne viral hemorrhagic disease.
The first fatality occurred in Hosanagar taluk of Shivamogga district on January 8, where an 18-year-old girl succumbed to the virus.
The second case was reported in Manipal, Udupi district, as a 79-year-old man from Sringeri taluk in Chikkamagaluru lost his life in a private hospital. The state has reported a total of 49 cases, with the highest numbers in Uttara Kannada district, followed by Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru.
What is Monkey Fever or KFD?
Monkey Fever, also known as Kyasanur Forest Disease or KFD, is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic disease that can be fatal to humans and other primates. The disease gets its name from the Kyasanur forest in Karnataka, it was first identified in 1957.
The virus, Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), belongs to the Flaviviridae virus family.
Transmission occurs through the bites of ticks, particularly Haemophysalis spinigera, which survive on monkeys.
Humans can also contract the disease by coming into contact with cattle bitten by infected ticks.
Symptoms of Monkey Fever
Symptoms of Monkey Fever appear 3-8 days after a tick bite, starting with fever, chills, and frontal headaches.
As the disease progresses, patients may experience body pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, hemorrhagic manifestations such as blood in vomit, sputum, and stools.
Most patients recover within one to two weeks, but in some cases, symptoms may relapse after a brief period, including severe headache, mental disturbance, tremors, and vision problems.
KFD Prevention Measures
To prevent tick bites, individuals are advised to use insect repellents when entering forests where monkey deaths have been reported.
Wearing long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and shoes can also help avoid tick bites. Currently, there is no vaccination available for KFD, making awareness and preventive measures crucial.
Who is Affected by Monkey Fever?
The disease, which emerged in 1957, has spread to new districts and states in India since 2012. Those most affected include resident and migratory farmers grazing animals, tribal forest-dwellers harvesting forest products, and daily laborers working in plantations or for state forest departments.
Health officials are actively coordinating with districts reporting cases to prevent the further spread of the disease. While no vaccination is currently available, efforts are underway to develop one, with authorities approaching the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for support.