Chikkamagaluru: Health officials in Chikkamagaluru are on high alert to prevent the spread of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever. The district’s health department has been actively collecting tick samples from villages to screen for the disease, as part of their prevention efforts. Awareness campaigns are also underway, encouraging villagers to report any unusual monkey deaths to authorities.
Last year, cases of monkey fever were reported in areas such as Koppa, Sringeri, Narasimharaja Pura, and parts of Chikkamagaluru and Tarikere taluks. Unfortunately, an elderly person died from KFD during this period. Dr. Ashwath Babu, the district health officer (DHO), emphasized that with proper precautions, the disease could be avoided. The health department is taking all necessary measures to prevent its spread, including regular visits to the Malnad region where the disease was detected previously.
As part of their efforts, health officials have been collecting tick samples from various villages, including Keregadde in Seetur gram panchayat, Katinamane in Kanuru gram panchayat, and areas like Thattesara and Vagadekallu in Gubbiga gram panchayat. These samples are being tested at a lab in Shivamogga. The DHO also advised villagers to use oil on their skin to deter ticks while moving through forested areas, where the disease is most commonly spread.
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