Bengaluru: Even before the arrival of summer, the deadly Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) hit Shivamogga district. The first case of 2020 has been reported from Hemmakki village under Mandagadde Hobli.

According to the health department sources, KFD virus was found in a patient named Narasimha, who is a 50-year-old farmer. He was first admitted to a hospital in Tirthahalli. As he was tested positive for KFD, he has been now rushed to a private hospital in Manipal.

“Last year KFD spread in summer and claimed 17 lives in the district. But this year it has shown up very early. This is a cause of worry,” informed health department authorities.