100 Active Cases, 2 Deaths, 3 Districts – Monkey Fever Grips Karnataka

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that about 103 people have tested positive for Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, in Karnataka.

Rao revealed that among the reported cases, there are currently 100 active cases, with two tragic fatalities linked to KFD across three streets. A meeting was held with health officers to assess preparations and strategize on preventive strategies.

Among the reported cases, an 18-year-old girl and a 79-year-old man have tragically passed away. Reportedly, the infected cases have been rising since January 1 of this year. Most of the cases have surfaced in Uttara Kannada district, followed by Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts.

What Is Kyasanur Forest Disease?

The Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) virus, commonly known as monkey fever, belongs to the Flaviviridae family. First identified in 1957 in the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka, transmissions to humans occur through tick bites or contact with infected animals, such as monkeys. Notably, the tick-borne hemorrhagic fever has no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

What Are The Symptoms Of KFD?

Symptoms typically manifest within three to eight days of exposure, including chills, fever, severe muscle pain, headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea, and bleeding problems.

Some patients may experience low blood pressure. Some patients may experience a second wave of symptoms after one or two weeks, marked by fever, including severe headaches, nausea, muscle stiffness, tremors, and poor vision.

Preventive Measures To Take

Preventive measures against monkey fever include vaccination in endemic regions, using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing in tick-infested areas, and avoiding contact with potentially infected animals. Controlling tick populations in wildlife habitats and practicing good hygiene are also key to preventing the spread.

Available treatments for KFD

While there is no specific treatment for monkey fever, early hospitalisation and supportive therapy are crucial, including maintaining hydration and taking precautions for patients with bleeding disorders.

Diagnosis can be made in the early stages through molecular detection using PCR or virus isolation from blood, with serologic testing using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) being performed later on.

As Karnataka battles the monkey fever outbreak, heightened vigilance, swift action, and community cooperation are important in preventing further spread and safeguarding public health.