Sirsi to Host Karnataka’s Second Monkey Fever Testing Laboratory | 25 Dec 2025

Why in News? 

Karnataka is establishing its second Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) testing laboratory in Sirsi to enhance disease detection and control efforts in the state. 

Key Points 

• Location: The testing laboratory will be set up in Sirsi, in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. 
• Purpose: It is being established to handle increased testing demand, improve diagnostic capacity, and enable earlier detection of KFD cases. 
• Disease Background: Kyasanur Forest Disease, also called Monkey Fever, is a tick‑borne viral disease endemic to parts of Karnataka and other regions. 
  • Symptoms : Fever, headache, body pain, chills, fatigue, vomiting etc. 
  • Treatment: No specific antiviral treatment available but needs supportive care, antipyretics, pain relief, hydration and preventive measures. 
  • Spread: through tick bites and handling infected animals. 
  • Types: It is a zoonotic disease and has no human-to-human transmission. 
• First Lab: The first KFD testing lab is in Shivamogga district of Karnataka.