CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
A recent surge in Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) cases has been reported from Karnataka's Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts, raising public health concerns in the region. Commonly known as "monkey fever", this rare but potentially deadly disease is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever that predominantly affects rural populations in forested areas of southern India.
About Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)
KFD is a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected hard ticks, primarily the species Haemaphysalis spinigera. The disease was first identified in 1957 in the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka, which gave it its name. It belongs to the Flavivirus genus within the Flaviviridae family, and is considered part of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus complex.
While the disease mainly occurs in forested regions of Karnataka, sporadic cases have been documented in neighboring states, making it a growing concern for public health authorities.
KFD Transmitted
The primary mode of transmission is through the bite of infected ticks, which live on animals such as monkeys, rodents, and birds.
Monkeys are especially susceptible and often die soon after infection, serving as an early warning for potential outbreaks in nearby human populations.
No evidence currently exists of person-to-person transmission.
Symptoms Of Kyasanur Forest Disease
KFD has a sudden onset, and symptoms typically appear 3–8 days after a tick bite. The illness usually unfolds in two phases:
Initial Phase (3–4 days):
High-grade fever with chills
Severe headaches
Muscle stiffness and body aches
Vomiting and nausea
Gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain and diarrhea
In some cases, bleeding from the nose, gums, or under the skin
Second Phase (in 10–20% of patients):
After a brief recovery, some patients experience a relapse
Neurological symptoms such as: Intense headaches, Mental disorientation or hallucinations, Tremors and seizures, Vision impairment
The mortality rate for KFD ranges from 5% to 10%, depending on the patient’s overall health and access to supportive medical care.
Treatment And Management
There is currently no antiviral cure for Kyasanur Forest Disease. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including:
Maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance
Oxygen therapy and respiratory support if needed
Managing blood pressure
Monitoring for secondary infections and complications
Vaccine Availability
A formalin-inactivated whole-virus vaccine is available in endemic areas of India. While vaccination remains the most effective prevention tool:
Booster doses are required annually for continued protection.
The vaccine has shown limited efficacy in some instances, necessitating the development of more robust alternatives.
Public health authorities often conduct mass vaccination drives in outbreak-prone zones, especially during peak seasons.
Seasonal Trends And Outbreak Patterns
KFD outbreaks typically begin in late October or November, with peak activity observed between January and April. By May and June, the incidence of new cases generally tapers off as tick activity declines.
Preventive Measures
To avoid infection in endemic regions, the following precautions are recommended:
Avoid forested areas during peak transmission months.
Wear long sleeves and protective clothing.
Use tick repellents on skin and clothing.
Conduct regular body checks for ticks after visiting wooded areas.
Vaccinate at-risk individuals in endemic zones.
Conclusion
Kyasanur Forest Disease, while rare, remains a serious threat in parts of southern India. With no definitive cure and a high risk of complications, public awareness, timely diagnosis, vaccination, and preventive measures are essential to contain outbreaks and protect vulnerable communities.
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