Q. With reference to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), consider the following statements::
1.It is a bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated water sources.
2.The disease is found only in India.
3.It is a rare disease that can cause severe illness and death.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect. Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to the western and central districts of Karnataka State. It is caused by Kyasanur Forest Disease virus (KFDV), a member of the Flaviviridae family of viruses. The disease is characterized by fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and bleeding. In severe cases, it can lead to neurological complications and death. KFD is not found only in India. The disease is also endemic to other parts of Southeast Asia, including Nepal, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Statement 3 is correct. Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) can cause severe illness and death if left untreated. It is a zoonotic disease. It is also referred to as Monkey disease/ monkey fever because of its association with monkey deaths. It is transmitted through the bite of ticks and bonnet. Black-faced langur monkeys are highly susceptible to the infection. They play a significant role in the spread of the virus in the human population. There is no specific treatment for monkey fever. A vaccine (Formalin inactivated KFDV vaccine) does exist for KFD and is used in endemic areas of India.
Source: ForumIAS
