Chikkamagalur: The state health department has warned the authorities of the forest covered district of Chikkamagalur to be alert about the possibility of the spread of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) or ‘Monkey Fever’.

According to sources, the forest department has alerted the health department about the death of monkeys in nine places in the NR Pura, Koppa and Sringeri taluks. Following the report, the health department directed the authorities to be alert.

Meanwhile, on Thursday alone, the Shivamogga district health department rushed nine residents of Najire village in the Aralagodu grama panchayat of Sagar taluk to KMC Hospital in Manipal for the KFD treatment.

It is said that the death of monkeys has also been reported from Kumata taluk of the Uttara Kannada district too. “All these days, Shivamogga was the epicentre of the disease. But now monkey deaths are reported from the neighbouring Uttara Kannada and Chikkamagalur districts as well. All efforts will be made to contain the spread of the disease,” informed authorities.