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Kyasanur Forest Disease in India (Goa)

16 Aug 2017

As many as 82 people have been diagnosed with Kyasanur forest disease (KFD), a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever, in Goa since January 2017. 

Advice for Travellers

Monkeys, rodents, shrews and other animal can be hosts for KFD virus and the disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. Most cases are reported in rural, forested areas during the dry season; November-June. KFD is endemic in southern India in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

In India a vaccine is available against KFD in the states where the infection is endemic. The mainstay of care is supportive as there is no specific treatment for KFD. Prevention of tick bites is the primary means of protection against KFD for travellers.