Monkey Fever Alert In Karnataka: Deadly Tick-Borne Disease Claims Two Lives

The Karnataka health department has issued an alert following two deaths attributed to 'Kyasanur Forest Disease' (KFD), commonly known as 'monkey fever.' These fatalities have prompted stringent health measures across the state, with officials revisiting existing protocols to curb the spread of the viral infection.

The initial death from 'monkey fever' occurred on January 8th in Hosanagar taluk of Shivamogga district, claiming the life of an 18-year-old girl. The second fatality occurred in Manipal, Udupi district, involving a 79-year-old man from Sringeri taluk in Chikkamagaluru.

According to PTI reports, Karnataka has recorded a total of 49 confirmed cases of monkey fever, with the highest number (34 cases) reported in Uttara Kannada district, followed by 12 in Shivamogga and three in Chikkamagaluru district. In response to the escalating cases and deaths, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner D. Randeep visited Shivamogga and conducted meetings with health officials from affected districts.

Since January 1st of this year, the Health department has collected 2,288 samples from affected districts, with 48 testing positive for KFD. Stringent precautions are being implemented, and officials are collaborating closely with affected districts to contain the spread.

Currently, there is no available vaccine for KFD, and efforts are underway to address this issue through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Transmission of monkey fever primarily occurs through tick bites, with ticks predominantly parasitizing monkeys. When these ticks bite humans, they transmit the infection. Humans can also contract the disease through contact with cattle bitten by ticks.

Authorities are conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns to educate individuals, particularly those residing near forested areas at higher risk of infection, about precautionary measures. The previously administered vaccine was deemed ineffective, prompting officials to seek a more suitable solution through collaboration with the ICMR.