Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

A recent death in Karnataka due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, has brought renewed attention to this tick-borne viral disease, which can turn fatal if not detected early.

About Kyasanur Forest Disease

Kyasanur Forest Disease is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic disease that is mainly found in southern India. It was first reported in 1957 in the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka, and hence the disease derives its name from this region.

The disease is caused by the KFD virus, which belongs to the Flaviviridae family and Flavivirus genus, and is a part of the tick-borne encephalitis complex. It is also called monkey fever because it is associated with deaths in monkeys, which act as important hosts in the disease cycle.

Transmission

Kyasanur Forest Disease is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected hard ticks, especially Hemaphysalis spinigera. Humans may also get infected by handling infected animals, particularly sick or dead monkeys.

The disease does not spread from one person to another, making it a non-contagious infection.

The disease follows a seasonal pattern, usually beginning in October or November, peaking between January and April, and declining by May and June.

Symptoms

The disease begins with a sudden onset of high fever, along with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme weakness. In severe cases, patients may develop neurological symptoms and haemorrhagic manifestations.

The fatality rate is around 5 to 10 percent, making early diagnosis and treatment important.

Treatment

There is no specific cure for Kyasanur Forest Disease. Treatment mainly involves supportive care, such as maintaining fluid balance, providing oxygen, managing blood pressure, and treating secondary infections.

With timely medical intervention, many patients recover without complications.

Prevention and Vaccine

A vaccine is available for Kyasanur Forest Disease and is recommended in endemic regions. Vaccination, along with preventive measures such as avoiding tick bites and handling infected animals carefully, plays an important role in controlling the disease.

Conclusion

Kyasanur Forest Disease is a serious but preventable vector-borne disease. Increased awareness, vaccination in endemic areas, and early medical care are essential to reduce mortality and control outbreaks.

Source: INDIAN EXPRESS

Join Our Telegram

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

India–Azerbaijan

05 Apr, 26
SHARE

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, bo

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

04 Apr, 26
SHARE

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Tra

ADR Report on Political Funding

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to nationa

Maritime Chokepoints

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful o

US-Israel-Iran War

01 Apr, 26
SHARE

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escala