Understanding Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD): A Lethal Threat in Karnataka
As Karnataka grapples with the devastating impact of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, the recent death of a five-year-old girl in Udupi district serves as a grim reminder of the urgency to address this viral infection. With the toll rising to nine and cases increasing in Malnad’s districts, including Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru, it's evident that immediate action is necessary to contain its spread. Encephalitis Virus or Lyme Borreliosis Disease or Monkey Fever Infectious Dermacentor Tick Arachnid Insect(PICTURE FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY) (Image Source: Hindustan Times) ALSO READ: Protecting Little Lungs: Understanding and Preventing Toddler Asthma What is KFD, and why is it a cause for concern? First identified in 1956 in the Kyasanur Forest area of Shivamogga district, KFD gets its name from its place of origin. Spread through ticks, the disease not only affects humans but also poses a threat to primates, serving as a warning