Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) or monkey fever scare has reached Bengaluru. While cases have been reported in several parts of Karnataka, Bengaluru has not reported any yet. Reportedly, Shivamogga district is the worst hit with six deaths and 58 cases coming to light. Other infected areas include Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Chikkamagaluru districts.
It was first reported in the country from Kyasanur forests in Shivamogga district in 1957, from where it gets its name.
The infection spreads through parasitic ticks and their bites as they move from monkeys to humans. Other ways in which it can spread include contact with sick/infected monkey.
Monkey Fever Symptoms
The symptoms include high fever, chills, head ache, muscle pain, vomiting and abdominal pain. Much like dengue, it can eventually result in hemorrhage. Media reports further pointed out that people with low immunity are more vulnerable to it.
There is no antiviral medication available for it, the treatment simply includes supportive care. Since it’s an infection caused by ticks, insect repellants are also a good measure.
Dr S Sajjan Shetty, Joint Director, communicable disease, department of health and family welfare, while speaking to Deccan Chronicle, said that preventive measures, which include vaccination, have been taken. According to him, along with doctors and paramedics being deputed in affected areas, an awareness campaign about monkeys and rodents is also being conducted.
Along with Karnataka, cases have also been reported from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra.
(With inputs from media reports.)
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