New Delhi, February 22,2025.
Karnataka reported 64 cases of Monkey Fever (Kyasanur Forest Disease) last month, resulting in two fatalities. In response to the escalating cases, the state government has implemented free treatment measures and issued public vigilance advisories.
The disease poses a significant risk in regions with high monkey populations. While Karnataka remains a primary concern, Maharashtra and Goa have also documented numerous cases.
According to Karnataka government data, 303 cases of Monkey Fever were recorded in Karnataka in 2024, of which 14 people died. The disease is endemic in areas around the Western Ghats.
While this death toll from Monkey Fever may seem low, if the infection increases it can prove extremely deadly. Its death rate is 3-10%.
Monkey Fever, or Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), is a disease that spreads from animals to humans. It spreads through bites from ticks that live on monkeys’ bodies.
