A fatal disease known as Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), colloquially termed ‘monkey fever’, has struck Southern India, claiming the lives of at least two individuals and infecting dozens more. The outbreak, originating in three districts just south of Goa, has sparked concerns as it rapidly spreads, with 49 confirmed cases reported so far.

Victims contract the virus, closely related to yellow and dengue fever, through ticks that carry the infection from sick monkeys to humans. The latest fatalities include an 18-year-old girl from Shivamogga district and a 79-year-old man from Udupi district, highlighting the severity of the outbreak.

Typically found in individuals working near or within forests, KFD outbreaks have become more frequent due to deforestation, increasing human-animal-tick interactions. Health officials urge caution, advising against entering forested areas where cases have been identified and providing repellents to mitigate exposure risks.

Symptoms of KFD, aside from high fever, include severe headaches, bleeding from the nasal cavity and throat, and confusion, often appearing three to eight days post-infection. While some patients recover within weeks, others experience a second wave of symptoms, including neurological manifestations, potentially leading to fatality in up to ten percent of cases.

With no cure available, prevention remains crucial. Travellers to affected regions are advised to use insect repellents, wear protective clothing, stay on cleared trails, and conduct thorough tick checks after outdoor activities to minimise the risk of infection.