A total of 31 cases of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, have been detected in Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Transmission to humans may occur after a tick bite or contact with an infected animal, most importantly a sick or recently dead monkey.
The estimated case-fatality rate for KFD is from 3% to 5%. (File photo)
Two people have succumbed to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever, in Karnataka this year, prompting state health department officials to hold meetings and review the preparedness to tackle the spread of the viral infection.
The first death due to the infection was reported in Hosanagar taluk of Shivamogga district on January 8, wherein an 18-year-old girl succumbed to the virus. The second fatality was reported at Manipal in Udupi district when a 79-year-old man from Sringeri taluk in Chikkamagaluru died in a private hospital.
So far, the state has witnessed 49 positive cases of monkey fever with a maximum of 34 cases being reported in Uttara Kannada district, followed by 12 in Shivamogga and the remaining three in Chikkamagaluru district.