Kyasanur Forest Disease
- Since the start of the year, two deaths have occurred in Karnataka due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD).
- The total death toll from the disease exceeds 560 since its discovery.
Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)
- Also known as monkey fever, KFD is a viral infection first noticed in 1956 in the forests of Shivamogga district.
- Monkeys serve as indicators of an outbreak, as they also get infected.
- The disease is believed to have become active due to ecological changes.
Transmission and Symptoms
- Transmission: Through contact with infective ticks, particularly among individuals visiting forest areas for various purposes.
- Symptoms
- They typically appear three to eight days after a tick bite and include fever, headache, body pain, redness of the eyes, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Severe cases may involve nosebleeds.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis is through blood tests.
- There is no specific treatment for KFD; doctors manage symptoms and monitor patients closely.
- Previous attempts to develop a vaccine were deemed ineffective, but the ICMR is reportedly collaborating with Indian Immunologicals for vaccine development.
Preventive Measures
- To prevent infection, the forest department is distributing tick repellent oil (DEPA oil) to families entering forested areas.
- The oil must be applied to exposed skin.
- The government has also committed to providing free treatment to patients.
Prelims Takeaway
- Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)