Wayanad: A 24-year-old man from Panavally tribal settlement in Thirunnelli grama panchayat of the high-range district reportedly caught the Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) or monkey fever, which is a seasonal fever. This is the first case of monkey fever reported in Kerala in the present year, as per health department officials.
District Medical Officer Dr Sakeena said the 24-year old youth has been admitted in Mananthavady medical College and is under medical observation. His health condition is stable and no other case has been reported so far, she added.
The medical officer also informed that the health authorities have already given an alert and urged local people to remain cautious.
What is monkey fever
For the unversed, monkey fever is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever endemic to the southern part of the country. The infection is caused by a virus belonging to the family Flaviviridae, which also includes yellow fever and dengue fever, which are transmitted by monkeys. Moreover, this vector-borne disease mainly affects monkeys and human beings. Insects, ticks generally carry this virus and humans get infected by the bites of these insects. This infection also spreads to people who handle infected dead monkeys.
Symptoms of Monkey fever
Treatments for monkey fever
As of now, there is no specific treatment for monkey fever. However, the experts suggest the patients to seek immediate medical attention to manage the health condition.
