2 KFD cases surface in Shivamogga district

The Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, which was confined to the Malnad region of the district (Thirthahalli, Sagar and Hosanagar taluks), has surfaced in Bhadravathi, which is semi-Malnad. This has turned out to be a headache for officials of the Health department.

KFD officer Kiran Kumar told DH that two cases have been reported this season so far, one from Thirthahalli taluk and the other from Bhadravathi taluk.

A 36-year-old man from Ranganathapura in Bhadravathi taluk has tested positive for KFD. Initial reports suggested that he had no travel history to any forest. People usually contract the disease on being bitten by ticks in forests.

Also, the taluk has no thick forest. So, officials are investigating as to how the man got infected. The KFD vaccination drive will be undertaken in Ranganathapura village soon, officials said.

He said one case of KFD was reported in Bhadravathi taluk in 2019. The fresh case has caused fear among people of the taluk.

Summer is the peak season for KFD. The Health department is taking all measures to control the population of ticks in the region, so as to prevent the disease.

A total of 185 KFD cases and four deaths were reported in the district last year. Of the four deaths, three were in Thirthahalli taluk and one in Sagar taluk.