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# Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)
- URL: https://www.upscprep.com/kyasanur-forest-disease-kfd-monkey-fever-upsc-current-affairs/
- Published: 2024-02-09T06:58:32.000Z
- Updated: 2024-02-09T06:58:32.000Z
- Description: Viral infection caused by tick bites
- Author: UPSCprep.com
- Tags: Current Affairs, UPSC Prelims, #show-toc

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a **viral infection**, also known as **monkey fever**, the death of a monkey can signal an outbreak of the disease. 

KFD was **first identified in the Kyasanur Forest** area of Sorab Taluk in Shivamogga district in Karnataka, India, in **1956**, and it is named after this region.

### Context

Since January 1 this year, two people have died due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), a viral infection, in Karnataka. 

- The number of deaths reported due to the disease since 1956 is above 560 - it was noticed in the forests of Shivamogga district.
- The number of cases in Malnad’s districts — Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada and Chikkamagaluru — has been increasing, forcing the Health and Family Welfare Department to take measures to contain its spread.
- Since January 1, the **Department of Health and Family Welfare** has conducted 2,567 tests and 68 people have been found positive.

### History of spread in India

For nearly 15 years (up to 1971), the disease was confined to Shivamogga district, **Karnataka**. It was noticed in Uttara Kannada district in 1972\. 

![](https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/70650/OPS/Public/GQTCCPQIR.1+G2GCCPR2V.1.jpg?rev=2024-02-08T21:08:12+05:30)

![Kyasanur forest disease virus breaking the endemic barrier: An  investigation into ecological effects on disease emergence and future  outlook - Ajesh - 2017 - Zoonoses and Public Health - Wiley Online Library](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/cms/asset/ab34bced-04d3-48fc-8e82-63738c3f225d/zph12349-fig-0001-m.jpg)

![Kyasanur forest disease - ScienceDirect](https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0166354212002355-gr2.jpg)

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) - Spread

- In 1980, cases were reported in Koppa, Chikkamagaluru.
- Two years later it was found in Dakshina Kannada.
- Cases were late reported in Chamarajanagar (2012), Belagavi district (2016), Gadag (2017), Mysuru, and Hassan (2019).

The virus has been found in **other states** too. 

- It was detected in dead monkeys in the Nilgiri district of **Tamil Nadu** in 2012\.
- Six human cases were reported in Wayanad and Malappuram, **Kerala** in 2013–14\.
- An outbreak was reported in **North** **Goa** district in 2015–16\. **Maharashtra** reported cases in 2016.

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### **How does it spread?**

The disease spreads through **tick bites**, particularly from infected ticks. 

![Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) in Karnataka -UPSC](https://www.iasgyan.in//ig-uploads/images//KYASANUR_FOREST_DISEASE_1.png)

- Primates that come into contact with these ticks can contract the disease.
- Humans can also contract the disease if they visit the same forest areas and are bitten by infected ticks.

### **Symptoms of KFD**

The symptoms start to appear three to eight days after the bite of an infected tick and can include:

- High fever
- Severe headache
- Redness of the eyes
- Severe fatigue and body pain
- Vomiting

Symptoms may progress to severe gastro-intestinal symptoms, and in some cases, bleeding from the nose or gastrointestinal tract.

### **Treatment**

- There is **no specific treatment**, doctors handle the symptoms and monitor the vitals daily.
- There was an **attempt to use a vaccine**, but it was shown to be ineffective.  
  - The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is in consultation with Indian Immunologicals for the development of a vaccine or treatment for the disease.

### **How is India dealing with it?**

The Health and Family Welfare Department is taking measures to contain the spread of KFD. 

- They have conducted thousands of **tests** to identify if someone has KFD.
- The forest department is **distributing DEPA oil**, a tick repellent, to families who have to go into the forest.
- The State Government has also decided to provide **free treatment** to patients.

Additionally, **surveillance and awareness programs** are likely to be part of the response to prevent and control the spread of KFD.

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