Karnataka: Kyasanur Forest Disease Scalps Six Lives So Far; Officials Distribute Vaccination To Stem Spread

Four more cases of the Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) have been reported now from Karnataka’s Thirthahalli in Malnad region. Previously, cases were reported from Sagara. Since December last, the number of cases have reached 62, out of which 58 are from Aralagodu Gram Panchayat in Sagara taluk. Six people have lost their lives so far due to the disease.

During November to April, KFD cases are prevalent in the region. In 2017-18, four people died and 48 cases of KFD were registered around the same period. In Aralagodu primary health centre, five more cases of high fever and headache have been reported and the symptoms seem to match. The blood samples have been sent to the labs for testing.

Government of Karnataka’s Department of Health and Family Welfare has come forward to provide the necessary vaccination to contain the disease from being spread. Over 46,000 people in the district have received the vaccination within a span of two months.

Since it is ticks that cause KFD, over 14,000 bottles of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) have been sent to the district to be circulated for those who work on plantations there, The Hindu reported.

Two monkeys have been found dead in the district and the blood samples have been sent for testing.