Kyasanur Forest Disease

Kyasanur Forest Disease

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Health

In News:

• There is a proposal to set up a study & research centre on Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) in Sagar, Karnataka.
• It is caused by Kyasanur Forest disease Virus (KFDV), a member of the virus family Flaviviridae.
• It was first identified in 1957 in a sick monkey from the Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka. Since then, between 400-500 human cases per year have been reported.
• Hard ticks (Hemaphysalis spinigera) are the reservoir of KFD virus. Rodents, shrews, and monkeys are common hosts for KFDV after being bitten by an infected tick.
• Larger animals such as cattle, goats or sheep may become infected with KFD but play a limited role in transmission of disease to humans
• Transmission to humans may occur after a tick bite or contact with an infected animal, most importantly a sick or recently dead monkey. No person-to-person transmission has been described
• Signs and Symptoms: After an incubation period of 3-8 days, the symptoms like chills, fever, headache, severe muscle pain, vomiting, gastrointestinal symptoms and bleeding may occur. 
• Endemic Regions of KFD in India are:
  • Karnataka
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Kerala states
• Prevention: A vaccine does exist for KFD and is used in endemic areas of India. Additional preventative measures include insect repellents and wearing protective clothing in areas where ticks are endemic

Places in News:

• Kali Tiger Reserve and Bedthi Conservation Reserve – Karnataka