Ten new cases of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, were reported in various parts of Wayanad district on Sunday.
“The suspected KFD cases have been reported from various parts of the district, including seven cases from the Cheeyambam tribal hamlet in Pulpally grama panchayat and one each from Padinharethara, Periya, and Poothadi grama panchayats,” Neeta Vijayan, District Medical Officer, Wayanad, told The Hindu . Meanwhile the Health Department has started distributing lemongrass oil and repellent cream free to members of tribal hamlets adjacent to forest areas to keep the ticks that transmit the disease at bay. Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar will visit the KFD-affected areas on Monday.
