What is Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)?

• The recent death of a 29-year-old man in Karnataka has once again brought Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) into the spotlight.
• This disease often remains unnoticed until it turns severe or fatal.
• It is commonly known as “Monkey Fever” because outbreaks are frequently associated with sudden deaths of monkeys in forested areas.

What is Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) ?

Kyasanur Forest Disease is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic disease found mainly in forest regions of southern India.

• It was first identified in 1957 in the Kyasanur forest area of Karnataka.
• The disease is named after this location.
• KFD is caused by the KFD virus, which belongs to the Flaviviridae family and the Flavivirus genus.
• The virus is part of the Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) complex.

Why is it called “Monkey Fever” ?

• During KFD outbreaks, sudden deaths of monkeys are commonly reported in forest areas.
• Sick or dead monkeys often act as an early warning sign of virus circulation in that region.
• Because of this strong association, local communities refer to KFD as Monkey Disease / Monkey Fever.

Transmission

KFD does not spread from person to person, but circulates through a natural transmission cycle.

Main Vector:

• Hard ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera) — the primary carrier of the virus.

How does infection occur ?

• Through the bite of an infected tick
• By direct contact with infected animals, especially sick or recently dead monkeys
• People working in forests, grasslands, or areas with dense leaf litter are at higher risk

Important: KFD is not transmitted between humans.

Symptoms of Kyasanur Forest Disease

Symptoms usually appear within 3–8 days after infection and may start suddenly.

Early symptoms:

• High fever
• Extreme weakness
• Headache and muscle pain
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Severe cases may show:

• Hemorrhagic symptoms (bleeding from nose or gums)
• Neurological complications (tremors, confusion, loss of consciousness)
• In some patients, a second phase (relapse) of illness

If not treated in time, KFD can be fatal.

Treatment

• There is no specific cure for Kyasanur Forest Disease.
• Treatment is entirely based on supportive care, which includes:
  • Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance
  • Oxygen support
  • Blood pressure management
  • Treatment of secondary infections
  • ICU care in severe cases

Vaccination

The good news is that:

• A vaccine for KFD is available in India.
• It is recommended in endemic areas such as parts of Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• The vaccination schedule generally includes two primary doses followed by booster doses.

Prevention Measures

• Wear full-length protective clothing while entering forest areas
• Use tick-repellent sprays or creams
• Avoid touching sick or dead monkeys
• Ensure regular vaccination for people living in or visiting endemic areas
• Report unusual monkey deaths immediately to local authorities