Kyasanur forest disease (KFD), a hemorrhagic fever transmitted by ticks, has established a presence in two additional districts of Karnataka, Hassan and Mysore, according to a recent study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV). The study, which analyzed clinical samples from 14 districts across the state, identified KFD infections in 13 talukas spread across seven districts.
The confirmation of KFD in Hassan and Mysore districts extends the geographical range of the disease within Karnataka, which has long been considered an endemic region for KFD. The disease, characterized by severe fever, hemorrhages, and neurological manifestations, is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks found in forested areas.
The expansion of KFD into new districts underscores the need for heightened surveillance and preventive measures to combat the disease. Public awareness campaigns, vaccination drives, and effective tick control strategies are crucial to mitigate the risk of KFD transmission and protect the health of vulnerable communities.