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Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) virus
Why is it in news?
- For the first time, the virus causing Kyasanur Forest Disease has been found in the tick pools collected in Hassan district.
- The samples collected at Chikkabasavanahalli in Hassan taluk and Basavanagudi near Devaladakere in Sakleshpur taluk were confirmed positive for the presence of the KFD virus.
What is KFD?
- What causes it?: Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) is caused by Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), a member of the virus family Flaviviridae.
- Earlier encounter:(1) KFDV was identified in 1957 when it was isolated from a sick monkey from the Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka (formerly Mysore) State, India.(2) Since then, between 400-500 humans cases per year have been reported.
- Source of KFD virus: Hard ticks (Hemaphysalis spinigera) are the reservoir of KFD virus and once infected, remain so for life.
- Common hosts:(1) Rodents, shrews, and monkeys are common hosts for KFDV after being bitten by an infected tick.(2) KFDV can cause epizootics with high fatality in primates.
- Prevention: A vaccine does exist for KFD and is used in endemic areas of India. Additional preventative measures include insect repellents and wearing protective clothing in areas where ticks are endemic.
Source
The Hindu, cdc