Kyasanur Forest Disease: Facts and Concerns

Key Points

• 1Since January 1, two people have died due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), a viral infection, in Karnataka.
• 2The number of deaths reported due to the disease since 1956 is above 560.
• 3The disease spreads through ticks; primates and humans who visit the same forest can contract the disease.
• 4Symptoms start to appear three to eight days after the bite, of an infective tick.
• 5The Department of Health and Family Welfare has conducted 2,567 tests and 68 people have been found positive.
• 6The disease transmission typically begins from late November to June, peaking between December and March.
• 7The ICMR is said to be in consultation with Indian Immunologicals for development of a vaccine.