Monkey fever or the Kyasanur Forest Disease or KFD is spreading across Karnataka. In the wake of the recent outbreak of the disease, a health alert has been issued by the health department in the Wayanad district in Kerala.
As many as 49 suspected KFD cases and two deaths have been reported in Karnataka since January 1. Hence, the public should be vigilant against the spread of the disease since the district shares a border with Karnataka, District Medical Officer P. Dineesh told the media. The two deceased people are an 18-year-old girl and a 79 old man.
Monkey fever, also known as Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), a member of the Flavivirus genus. It is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, primarily in forested areas where monkeys, particularly langur and bonnet macaques, serve as reservoir hosts.
How does it spread?
Monkey fever, or Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), primarily spreads through the bite of infected ticks belonging to the Haemaphysalis genus, particularly Haemaphysalis spinigera. These ticks primarily feed on monkeys, serving as reservoir hosts for the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV). When infected monkeys move through forested areas, they introduce the virus to new tick populations. Humans can become infected through tick bites or contact with blood or tissues of infected animals. Transmission can also occur through handling of contaminated materials or consuming unpasteurized milk from infected animals. However, person-to-person transmission of KFDV is rare.
Symptoms of monkey fever include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and bleeding tendencies, with severe cases progressing to hemorrhagic manifestations and neurological complications. There is no specific treatment for KFD, but vaccination and preventive measures such as tick avoidance and wearing protective clothing can reduce the risk of infection.
To stay safe from monkey fever (Kyasanur Forest Disease), take precautions when visiting forested areas where the disease is endemic. Wear long-sleeved clothing, pants, and closed shoes to minimize skin exposure to ticks. Use insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and permethrin-treated clothing. Avoid direct contact with monkeys and their habitats, as they can carry infected ticks. Perform thorough tick checks on yourself, family members, and pets after outdoor activities. If you experience symptoms such as fever, headache, or muscle pain after visiting an endemic area, seek medical attention promptly. Vaccination against KFD is also available in endemic regions.
