Health experts are deeply concerned about the increasing threat of infectious diseases worldwide. The risk of infectious diseases is even higher in India. From the Nipah virus, which recently caused a health crisis in West Bengal and previously in Kerala, to brain-eating amoeba infections and bird flu, these diseases are continuously putting a strain on healthcare services.

Health experts say that most of these are zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that spread from animals to humans. Now, an alert has been issued in Karnataka regarding one such disease.

According to media reports, a 29-year-old man recently died in Karnataka from Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever. This incident has drawn attention to a disease whose cases often go unreported until they become widespread and fatal. According to reports, the infected man died on January 28th at a hospital in the Udupi district.

Following this case, many questions have arisen in people's minds about the infection. Does it spread through monkey bites? Who is at higher risk? And what preventive measures should be taken?

What do health officials say?

Before learning about Kyasanur Forest Disease, let's look at the deaths caused by the infection in Karnataka.

According to media reports, Health Department Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde stated that this is an unusual and unfortunate case. Normally, if the infection is detected within a week of exposure to the virus and the patient receives treatment, the risk of death is significantly reduced. However, in this case, the patient was admitted immediately after symptoms appeared, and the infection was confirmed within a day. ​​His condition was stable until a few days ago, yet the man died due to complications.

More than 100 cases of monkey fever infection were reported in Karnataka in 2024. Learn about Monkey Fever

Kyasanur Forest Disease is also known as Monkey Fever. Despite its name, it does not spread directly from monkeys to humans.

This fever is caused by the bite of a forest tick called Haemaphysalis spinigera. These ticks can be found on the bodies of monkeys.
There is a risk of infection from contact with sick or dead infected monkeys.
There is no risk of it spreading from an infected person to others.

According to health officials, cases of this monkey fever usually begin in October or November and peak between January and April.

How does this disease spread, and what are the symptoms?

According to health experts, people living in forested areas with a high monkey population are at a higher risk of infection.

Monkey fever can cause a sudden onset of fever and other symptoms. In the initial stages, along with fever, there may be chills, headache, and severe fatigue.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and confusion.
In some cases, it can cause bleeding problems such as nosebleeds and bleeding gums.

What should be done to prevent it?

There is no specific treatment available for monkey fever. Medications and medical support are provided to alleviate the symptoms.

The good news is that a vaccine is available to reduce the risk of infection. It is recommended for people in areas where this infection is more prevalent, such as parts of Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Health experts advise wearing clothing that completely covers the body when visiting forested areas to prevent the disease.
Use tick-repellent sprays or creams to prevent tick bites. Avoid touching sick or dead monkeys.

PC Social Media