Recent Scenario of Emergence of Kyasanur Forest Disease in India and Public Health Importance

Abstract

Several viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) diseases affect large populations in India. Among these, Dengue is the most common endemic mosquito-borne VHF disease. Two other common VHF diseases are tick-borne: Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) and Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). CCHF was detected in India recently. KFD virus has a wide range of tick vector species and involves several mammalian hosts. Until 2011, KFD was seen only in southern India, but recently its presence was confirmed in the Western Ghats region, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra states. This discovery has raised suspicion whether it existed earlier in these areas. Although, the risk of human-to-human transmission of this disease is very low, it is important to consider the high prevalence of the vectors namely ticks; small mammals, monkeys, and domestic animals that are carriers of infected ticks as well as deforestation. Knowledge of KFD pathogenicity, improved and cost-effective diagnostics, laboratory networks, increased awareness of travelers to forested areas, and surveillance are needed to reduce fatality. The use of standard biosafety practices in handling the virus in the laboratory and in associated field work reduces the risk associated with infection.