Kyasanur Forest disease

Kyasanur Forest disease was first recognized in 1957 during a fatal epizootic of wild monkeys in Mysore (Karnataka), India. Forest workers are particularly at risk, and mortality may reach 10 percent in this group. There was an important flare up in May and June 2003.

The causative virus is a tick-borne virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus of the family Flaviviridae, which has been isolated from ticks, monkeys, and humans.

The principal vector appears to be the tick Haemaphysalis spinigera, whereas the vertebrate reservoir is uncertain.

There is an inactivated vaccine available for control of Kyasanur Forest disease.

The period of incubation is 3 to 8 days. The symptoms are sudden onset of fever and severe headache, followed by back pain, severe pain in the lower and upper extremities, inflammation of the eyes, intestinal bleeding, and some patients develop coma or bronchopneumonia prior to death.

Category: Microbiology Notes