Elderly man succumbs to KFD disease in Thirthahalli

A 75-year-old man from Thotadakoppa under Singanabidire Gram Panchayat in the taluk has died of monkey fever, also known as Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), on Friday.

The victim Lachcha Pujari had contracted fever a few days back. He was admitted to Manipal Hospital four days back. On Thursday, the doctors had confirmed Pujari was suffering from monkey fever.

The monkey fever outbreak was reported at several villages under Mandagadde primary healthcare centre, following the deaths of monkeys. At Thotadakoppa alone, six confirmed cases of KFD has been reported, Dr Suresh of the Mandagadde PHC has contracted fever while treating the KFD infected in the village, Taluk Health Officer Dr Kiran told DH.

He said, “A total of 16 confirmed cases of monkey fever are reported in the taluk, this year. The KFD infected are being treated at Mandagadde PHC and JC Hospital Thirthahalli.”

District Health Officer Dr Rajesh Suragihalli, THO Dr Kiran and Health department staff on Friday visited Thotadakoppa and surrounding villages and took stock of the situation.