Overview
- A 29-year-old man from Thirthahalli, Shivamogga, died Wednesday at Manipal’s KMC Hospital in Udupi after testing positive for Kyasanur Forest Disease.
- The patient developed fever on January 20, was referred promptly, and KFD was confirmed within a day, according to the state health department.
- Surveillance teams are monitoring Malenadu communities for febrile illness as the seasonal tick-borne virus peaks in January–February.
- KFD is transmitted by Haemaphysalis spinigera ticks in a sylvatic cycle and is not known to spread between people.
- There is no specific antiviral treatment; care is supportive, and ICMR plans to begin human vaccine trials in April with availability projected next year.