Monkey Disease is Tick-borne and has Limitations in Spreading – DC Sasikanth
Mangaluru: “Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever. When the disease started in Shivamogga we started to monitor the district. When we found positive incidents in Udupi we took all the precautions in DK. If we compare the disease to other diseases, KFD does not spread easily. The disease affects monkeys and does not spread through humans. If anyone is infected and the infected person is among us or in a public place, the disease will not spread since it is a tick-borne disease. The disease affects Monkeys and spreads through Ticks. If anyone goes to the forest and is bitten by an infected tick he/she will be infected with the disease. Even the cattle in the forest can be infected if bitten by infected ticks”, said DC Sasikanth Senthil in a press meet held at the DC office here on January 23.
Addressing the media persons DC Sasikanth said, “This disease does not spread easily, it has its limitations. We can easily identify vulnerable groups or areas and put into place a proper protection system so that the disease cannot spread beyond a particular area. There is no reason for the common public to panic. The entire district administration is closely monitoring the vulnerable areas and groups. When the disease effects Monkeys they die in bulk. We are also closely watching the death of Monkeys. In Dakshina Kannada, we have received 9 suspected death cases of monkeys in Beltangady, Puttur and Mangaluru which can also be normal cases. We have collected and sent samples of 2 monkeys to Pune. We have taken all the measures in tackling this disease and gathered geographical data where the disease was earlier present”.
DC Sasikanth further said, “In DK there is no indication of the disease. We are in touch with the vulnerable people who residing near the forest area. The fatality rate with the disease is also very less but every village is being monitored. We advise the vulnerable groups who are residing in the forest area to inform us if anyone has the symptoms like headache, fever etc”.
DC Sasikanth also said, “The general public should not unnecessarily venture into the forest. If anyone goes to the forest, they should wear full dress which covers the complete body. DMC oil (Mosquito repellent) should be applied before going to the forest. We have already distributed DMC oil to the forest staff”.
Addressing the media persons District Health Officer Dr Ramakrishna said, “The disease was first reported from Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka in March 1957. The disease first manifested as an epizootic outbreak among monkeys killing several of them in the year 1957. Hence the disease is also locally known as monkey disease or monkey fever. If there is a severe headache, fever, body ache, redness in the eyes or severe back pain kindly consult the doctor. If anyone finds dead monkeys kindly inform the district administration or the health department so that we can investigate and take precautionary measures.”
ADC Dr Kumara was also present.
