The outbreak of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as Monkey Fever, in Tirthahalli taluk is showing no signs of abating, with six positive cases reported between February 13 and 17.
KFD is a tick-borne viral infection that spreads from monkeys to humans. So far in 2017, 39 positive cases have been reported in Tirthahalli taluk. On February 16, the blood samples of Narayana, 65, from Indira Nagar village in Kudumallige Gram Panchayat limits, was tested positive for KFD at the National Institute of Virology, Pune, after he died of high fever. With this, the KFD death toll in the taluk this year stands at three. The first two deaths were in Chiduva and Bekse-Kenjigudde villages.
Taluk Health Officer Kiran S.K. told The Hindu that five persons infected with KFD have been admitted to the special ward at J.C. Government Hospital in Tirthahalli town, and three to the McGann Hospital in Shivamogga. As there are chances of a relapse, the health condition of those who were hospitalised and discharged later is also being closely monitored, he said. ASHA workers are visiting such patients regularly, he said.
With Narayana’s blood sample testing positive, the vaccination drive has been intensified in and around Indira Nagar. The residents venturing out to the forest to graze cattle and collect firewood and those working in agricultural fields located on forest fringes have been asked to apply dimethyl opthlate oil, which acts as a tick repellent on the body, Mr. Kiran said.
Meanwhile, the spate of death of monkeys due to KFD has continued. On February 17, three monkeys died in the forest adjacent to Salur village and one monkey each in Aralasurali and Tenginakoppa. There was intense bleeding from the mouth and rectal portions of these monkeys. Their blood and viscera samples have been sent for lab analyses. The places where they were found dead are being considered as vulnerable areas. The residents of Salur, Aralasurali and Tenginakoppa villages are being vaccinated against KFD.
