According to reports, monkey fever has caused two deaths in Karnataka. The state has reported 49 cases.
Two residents of Karnataka reportedly died as monkey fever is spreading. On January 8, an 18-year-old girl died from the virus in Hosanagar taluk, Shivamogga. A 79-year-old man from Sringeri taluk in Chikkamagaluru died in a private hospital in Manipal, Udupi district, the second fatality. On Sunday, PTI reported 49 state cases. Uttara Kannada has the most cases, followed by Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru.
“We have taken all precautions and are working closely with district officials to stop KFD’s expansion. Since there is no vaccine for the sickness, we must be especially cautious.
Prevention methods are being promoted to stop the infection. The earlier vaccine failed. ICMR has been contacted for immunization “A senior health official told PTI.
Ticks that live on monkeys spread monkey fever, also known as Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD). The sickness is called after the woodland where the virus was discovered in 1957. The Flaviviridae virus Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV) was found in a sick monkey in Karnataka state and named after the forest. “Since then, between 400-500 human cases per year have been reported,” the CDC said.
Cattle infected by ticks can also infect humans.
The ICAR, Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute in North Goa, reports monkey fever symptoms 3-8 days after tick bite. Initial symptoms include fever, chills, and frontal headaches. The patient may also have diarrhea, vomiting, and bodily ache.
Vomiting, sputum, and stools may contain blood as the condition advances. Patients usually recover in one to two weeks. Some individuals may relapse with severe headache, mental disturbance, tremors, and vision issues after 1-2 weeks.
In woods where monkeys have died, insect repellents are recommended to avoid tick attacks. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and shoes to avoid ticks.
Conclusion
According to reports, monkey fever caused the deaths of two Karnataka residents. First, an 18-year-old girl died in Shivamogga, then a 79-year-old man in Manipal. The state has 49 cases, mostly in Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru. The disease is named after Karnataka’s Kyasanur forest and spread by monkey ticks. Contact with tick-bitten livestock also spreads the disease. Symptoms include fever, chills, and headaches 3-8 days after tick bite. Some patients may relapse after one to two weeks, but most recover.
