KFD Death in Karnataka Brings Monkey Fever Back in Focus

A 29-year-old man from Tirthahalli taluk in Karnataka has died after contracting Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever, drawing renewed attention to a zoonotic infection that often escapes public focus until severe outcomes occur. The patient passed away on January 28 at a hospital in Udupi district, despite early detection and swift medical referral.

Why This Case Is Considered Unusual

Health officials described the death as rare, noting that early diagnosis of KFD usually results in near-total recovery. According to the state health department, the infection was confirmed within a day of symptom onset and the patient remained stable for several days. However, his condition deteriorated unexpectedly, underlining the unpredictable nature of the disease even with timely intervention.

How Kyasanur Forest Disease Spreads

Despite being called monkey fever, KFD does not spread directly from monkeys to humans. The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected forest ticks, primarily “Haemaphysalis spinigera”. Humans may also contract the virus through contact with sick or dead infected monkeys or other animals such as squirrels and rodents. There is no human-to-human transmission. The disease typically emerges in forested regions, with cases beginning around October and peaking between January and April.

Symptoms and Health Risks

KFD symptoms usually appear within 3 to 8 days of exposure. Early signs include sudden fever with chills and severe headache. This may progress to bleeding from the nose, gums, or throat, low blood pressure, and reduced platelet counts. In some cases, neurological symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle stiffness, tremors, poor reflexes, mental disturbances, and vision problems are reported. The case fatality rate ranges between 2 and 10 per cent, depending on early detection and access to healthcare.

Important Facts for Exams

• Kyasanur Forest Disease is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever.
• The vector is “Haemaphysalis spinigera” forest tick.
• No human-to-human transmission has been reported.
• KFD is endemic to forested regions of Karnataka.

Prevention and Treatment Measures

There is no specific antiviral treatment for KFD. Management focuses on supportive care, including intravenous fluids and measures to control bleeding. Health experts advise avoiding forest areas during outbreak seasons, wearing full-sleeved clothing, using tick repellents, and never handling dead animals. Prompt medical attention after fever following forest exposure remains critical to reducing complications and mortality.