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Rain helps curb spread of KFD in Shivamogga

Published - May 15, 2018 01:13 am IST

The recent, fairly widespread spell of rain in the district has abated the threat of spread of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever.

Two persons died because of KFD in the district in the past six months and 14 positive cases were reported during the period. KFD is a tick-borne viral infection that spreads from monkeys to humans. In most cases, people who venture into forests to collect firewood and graze cattle contract the disease through tick bites.

The last positive case among people was reported in the district in the third week of March. High fever, aches in joints and bleeding gums are some of the symptoms of this disease.

Kiran S.K., Taluk Health Officer of Tirthahalli, told The Hindu that it is during the nymph stage that the tick responsible for spread of virus that causes KFD bites humans. The rain accelerates the growth of nymphs into adults and thereby the threat of spread of the disease subsides. In addition to this, the ticks on ground in the forest get washed away by the rain. The entry of people to the forest to collect firewood and graze cattle also reduces after rain.

The prevalence of KFD is high in the district every year from December to May, during which time a dry spell prevails. As Tirthahalli, Hosanagar and Sagar taluks — identified as areas affected with KFD — received pre-monsoon rain in past week, the chances of spread of the virus have become lower, Mr. Kiran said.

So far, KFD vaccine has been administered to more than 44,000 persons in affected areas in the district.

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