Villages in the forest belt and part of Bhimgad sanctuary and surrounding areas such as Kapoli, Chapoli, Mudagai and Amte of Khanapur taluk have been suspected to be affected by the Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD).
Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) is caused by Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), a member of the virus family Flaviviridae. KFDV was identified in 1957 when it was isolated from a sick monkey from the Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka (formerly Mysore) State, India. Since then, between 400-500 humans cases per year have been reported.
Hard ticks (Hemaphysalis spinigera) are the reservoir of KFD virus and once infected, remain so for life. Rodents, shrews, and monkeys are common hosts for KFDV after being bitten by an infected tick. KFDV can cause epizootics with high fatality in primates.
The symptoms of KFD begin suddenly with chills, fever, and headache. Severe muscle pain with vomiting, gastrointestinal symptoms and bleeding problems may occur 3-4 days after initial symptom onset. Patients may experience abnormally low blood pressure, and low platelet, red blood cell, and white blood cell counts.
Blood samples of 12-suspected persons have been sent to pune laboratory out of which two are feared to be positive.
Villagers are asked to burn the died monkeys immediately. Panchayat Development Officers (PDO) and officials or forest department have been informed about it.
Seasonality is another important risk factor as more cases are reported during the dry season, from November through June.