KARNATAKA
Karnataka Reports First Death from Kyasanur Forest Disease
- 07 Feb 2026
- 2 min read
Why in News?
The first death from Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)—commonly known as ‘Monkey Fever’— was reported recently in Karnataka, raising concerns as the seasonal tick‑borne viral infection intensifies in forest‑fringe districts.
Key Points:
- Cause & Transmission: KFD is a tick‑borne viral haemorrhagic fever transmitted to humans through the bite of infected hard ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera) and contact with infected or dead forest animals, such as monkeys.
- It does not spread human‑to‑human.
- Vector & Hosts: The disease cycle involves ticks and forest animals including monkeys, rodents, and squirrels.
- Humans are incidental hosts who get infected mainly through tick bites or contact with infected animal tissues.
- Symptoms: After an incubation period of 3–8 days, early signs include sudden fever, chills, severe headache, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- More severe manifestations can include bleeding (nose, gums), neurological effects, tremors, poor vision, and low blood counts.
- Fatality & Treatment: The case fatality rate ranges from about 2–10%, depending on early detection and supportive medical care.
- There is no specific antiviral cure exists, and treatment is mostly supportive, focusing on symptom management.
- Prevention: Avoid forest exposure in high-risk season, wear protective clothing, use tick repellents, avoid contact with sick/dead animals, seek early medical attention.
Public Health Response: Awareness campaigns and surveillance efforts are vital to early detection and control of sporadic KFD cases in endemic regions of Karnataka and neighbouring states.
| Read More: Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) |
