Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a zoonotic disease (spreads from animals to humans – just like COVID-19, Ebola, HIV, Anthrax, SARS)
KFD is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever endemic to South India.
It was first identified in 1957 in a sick monkey from the Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka
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
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
Larger animals such as cattle, goats or sheep may become infected with KFD but play a limited role in transmission of disease to humans
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
