Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

Context

Karnataka is grappling with the outbreak of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever.

What is Monkey Fever?

Monkey fever is caused by the Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), a member of the Flaviviridae virus family.
The KFD virus is an arbovirus belonging to the Flaviviridae family.

Arboviruses are arthropod-borne viruses: i.e., infections transmitted mainly by small animals like arachnids and insects.

The virus was first identified in 1957 when it was isolated from a sick monkey in the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka.
Transmission to humans primarily occurs through tick bites or contact with an infected animal, particularly a sick or recently deceased monkey.
- There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
Prevention of monkey fever involves several strategies.
- A vaccine is available and used in endemic areas of India.
- Other preventative measures include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing in tick-infested areas, and avoiding contact with potentially infected animals.
Treatment: There is no specific treatment for KFD. Management of the disease includes early hospitalisation and supportive therapy.