Shivamogga : The specter of Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) also called monkey fever disease looms large over the hilly terrains of Karnataka, sparking apprehension among villagers as the number of reported cases continues to rise. In a concerning development, six individuals have fallen prey to the disease in Thirthahalli town, with all patients currently undergoing treatment at Thirthahalli Taluk Hospital. District Medical Officer Rajesh Suragihalli, during his visit to the hospital, sought to allay fears, assuring that adequate medical provisions have been made to address the situation, and urging residents to remain resolute in the face of adversity. The afflicted individuals are among the 42 individuals who underwent blood tests due to potential exposure to the virus, bringing the total reported cases of monkey fever disease in Shivamogga district to 32.
Just a week ago, tragedy struck Boppanamane village in Hosnagar taluk of Shimoga district as an 18-year-old girl succumbed to monkeypox disease, marking the first recorded fatality attributed to the illness. The victim, identified as Ananya, had initially sought medical attention for symptoms of cold and flu at Mc Gyan Hospital but passed away before receiving further treatment at Manipal KMC Hospital.
Meanwhile, neighboring Chikkamagaluru district has also witnessed a surge in monkey fever cases, with nine individuals reported to have contracted the disease as of February 08. One patient has already lost life to the illness. The OLV Estate in Koppa Taluk emerged as a hotspot for monkey disease cases, prompting health authorities to institute precautionary measures, including the establishment of a dedicated KFD ward at Koppa Government Hospital.
The outbreak of KFD in the Malenad region of Chikkamagaluru district, which shares borders with Shimoga and North Kannada districts, has compounded concerns among residents, given the disease’s recurrent incidence in the area.
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