Kyasanur forest disease: Unveiling the spread, consequences, and emerging risks

Abstract

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), colloquially known as monkey fever, is a tick-borne viral infection that leads to severe fever, encephalitis, and hemorrhagic symptoms in both humans and nonhuman primates. The disease is transmitted to humans via bites from infected hard ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera), and its transmission involves intricate interactions between various hosts, including humans. Originally restricted to Shivamogga district, KFD has progressively extended across the Western Ghats, expanding beyond its traditional sylvan habitat. The spread of KFD is closely associated with deforestation, human activities, and climate shifts. Despite its emergence being somewhat unexplained, there is an urgent need for rigorous surveillance to halt its further spread. Given the lack of a definitive cure and the limited effectiveness of the current vaccine, KFD remains a significant public health challenge. This review offers a concise overview of the disease's epidemiology.