Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

Current Context : Recently, Health officials in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, are taking precautions to prevent Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as Monkey Fever. 

About the Disease:

• KFD is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), part of the Flavivirus
• It was first identified in the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka in 1957.
• The virus is primarily transmitted by ticks(notably Haemaphysalis spinigera). Small animals like rodents and monkeys act as carriers.

Transmission:

• Humans get infected through tick bites or contact with infected monkeys.
• There is no person-to-person transmission.
• Peak infection occurs between January and April, with cases declining by May or June.

Symptoms:

• Sudden fever, severe weakness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes neurological or bleeding symptoms.

Treatment and Prevention:

• No specific cure exists; only supportive care(hydration, oxygen, blood pressure management) is provided.
• Vaccination is recommended in endemic regions.