Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

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Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) is caused by Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), a member of the virus family Flaviviridae. KFDV was identified in 1957 when it was isolated from a sick monkey from the Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka (formerly Mysore) State, India. Since then, between 400-500 humans cases per year have been reported.

Hard ticks (Hemaphysalis spinigera) are the reservoir of KFD virus and once infected, remain so for life. Rodents, shrews, and monkeys are common hosts for KFDV after being bitten by an infected tick. KFDV can cause epizootics with high fatality in primates.

Transmission

Transmission to humans may occur after a tick bite or contact with an infected animal...

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of KFD may appear suddenly 3-8 days after exposure...

Risk of Exposure

KFD has historically been limited to the western and central districts of Karnataka State, India...

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be made in the early stage of illness by molecular detection by PCR...

Treatment

Hospitalization and supportive therapy is important for treating KFD...

Prevention

A vaccine does exist for KFD and is used in endemic areas of India...

Kyasanur Forest Disease distribution map
Outbreak Distribution Map
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Page last reviewed: December 23, 2013
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP), Viral Special Pathogens Branch (VSPB)