8-Year-Old Dies From Kyasanur Forest Disease in Karnataka: What You Need to Know

The sudden loss of an eight-year-old child in Karnataka due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) has shocked many and raised concerns about this dangerous tick-borne illness. KFD, also known as ‘monkey fever,’ is a viral disease that spreads through the bite of infected ticks. It is mainly in the forest areas of Karnataka and nearby states. The disease can cause severe symptoms like high fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and in some cases, bleeding and neurological problems. This tragic death highlights the importance of awareness, early detection, and prevention, especially for people living in or near forest regions where the disease is common.

What Is Kyasanur Forest Disease?

Flaviviridae – a rare word, but a real disease!

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) aka Monkey Fever is a tick-borne viral disease found in Karnataka’s forests.

Symptoms: High fever, headache, muscle pain, bleeding. Prevention: Avoid ticks, wear protective clothing, get vaccinated. pic.twitter.com/HQCDVDDhHT

— Department of Medical Education, Karnataka (@MedEduGoK) February 27, 2025

Kyasanur Forest Disease is caused by a virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family. It was first discovered in 1957 in the Kyasanur forest area of Karnataka. The virus mainly spreads to humans through the bite of infected hard ticks, especially Haemaphysalis spinigera. Animals like monkeys and rodents also carry the virus, which is why the disease is sometimes called ‘monkey fever.’ Humans are accidental hosts and do not spread the disease to others. People who work or live near forests, such as farmers, hunters, and forest workers, are at higher risk of getting KFD.

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Recent Outbreak and the Child’s Death

In 2025, the Malenadu region of Karnataka, including Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts, saw a sharp rise in KFD cases. Factors such as deforestation, changes in land use, and extreme weather have increased the tick population, raising the risk of infection.

The eight-year-old child who died was one of the victims of this outbreak. Despite medical care, the disease’s rapid progression and severity proved fatal. This tragic event reminds us of how serious KFD can be, especially for young children and vulnerable people.

Symptoms and Progression of KFD

The incubation period, or the time between the tick bite and symptoms, is usually 3 to 8 days. The disease often comes in two phases:

First phase symptoms:

• Sudden high fever with chills
• Severe headache
• Muscle pain and body aches
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Sometimes bleeding from gums, nose, or in vomit/stool
• This phase lasts about a week. Most patients recover after this, but 10-20% experience a second phase.

Second phase symptoms (in some cases):

• Fever returns
• Neurological problems like severe headaches, tremors, confusion, and vision issues
• In serious cases, seizures and loss of consciousness
• Recovery can take weeks, and some patients suffer from long-term weakness and neurological effects.

Prevention and Treatment

Currently, there is no specific cure for KFD. Treatment focuses on supportive care like managing fever, dehydration, and complications. Early medical attention improves chances of recovery.

Preventing tick bites is the best way to avoid KFD. Experts recommend:

• Using insect repellents containing DEET
• Wearing protective clothing when entering forest areas
• Avoiding contact with sick or dead animals, especially monkeys
• Getting vaccinated if living in or near high-risk areas
• The vaccine for KFD is available but has faced challenges like reduced potency in recent years, which has increased vulnerability in some communities.

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Conclusion

The death of the young child from Kyasanur Forest Disease is a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by this viral illness. People living in or near forested areas must take precautions seriously and seek immediate medical help if symptoms appear after a tick bite. Awareness campaigns, vaccination drives, and environmental management are crucial to controlling the spread of KFD and protecting vulnerable populations from this deadly disease.