Daily Current Affairs : 10-February-2024

Since January 1 this year, tragic deaths have been mentioned in Karnataka due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), usually called monkey fever. This viral infection poses an extreme fitness threat in certain regions, making focus important for prevention and treatment.

Recent Fatalities

The fitness department of Karnataka has showed fatalities associated with KFD:

  • First Death: On January 8, an 18-year-old in Shivamogga district lost his life to the virus.
  • Second Death: A 79-year-old man died in a non-public sanatorium in Manipal, Udupi district.

These incidents spotlight the urgent want to recognize and deal with KFD, specially in endemic regions.

What is Kyasanur Forest Disease?

Kyasanur Forest Disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever transmitted via ticks. Here are a few key factors approximately KFD:

  • Virus: It is due to the Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), which belongs to the Flaviviridae own family.
  • Ticks as Reservoirs: The primary vendors of KFDV are hard ticks, especially Haemaphysalis spinigera. Once a tick is inflamed, it stays a carrier for life.
  • Animal Hosts: Common hosts consist of rodents, shrews, and monkeys, which come to be infected thru tick bites.
  • Human Transmission: Humans can agreement KFD thru:
    • Tick bites
    • Contact with infected animals

Historical Context

KFD become first identified in 1957, while the virus become remoted from a sick monkey inside the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka. Historically, the ailment has been mostly confined to the western and valuable districts of Karnataka.

Prevention and Treatment

There is presently no precise remedy for KFD. However, set off hospitalization and supportive care can improve results. Notably, a vaccine exists and is run in areas wherein KFD is endemic.

Key Takeaways

  • KFD is a severe viral contamination with sizable risks, especially in Karnataka.
  • Awareness and preventive measures are essential to reduce transmission.
  • Vaccination and well-timed medical care play crucial roles in dealing with KFD.

Important Points:

  • Recent Deaths in Karnataka:
    • Two fatalities reported since January 1 due to KFD.
    • First death: 18-year-old in Shivamogga district on January 8.
    • Second death: 79-year-old man in Manipal, Udupi district.
  • Overview of KFD:
    • Known as monkey fever; a viral hemorrhagic fever.
    • Transmitted by ticks, primarily Haemaphysalis spinigera.
  • Virus Information:
    • Caused by Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), part of the Flaviviridae family.
    • Ticks are lifelong carriers once infected.
  • Animal Hosts:
    • Common hosts include rodents, shrews, and monkeys.
  • Human Transmission:
    • Occurs through:
      • Tick bites
      • Contact with infected animals
  • Historical Context:
    • First identified in 1957 from a sick monkey in Kyasanur Forest.
    • Historically confined to western and central districts of Karnataka.
  • Prevention and Treatment:
    • No specific treatment for KFD.
    • Early hospitalization and supportive care are crucial.
    • A vaccine is available and used in endemic areas.
  • Key Takeaways:
    • KFD poses significant health risks, especially in Karnataka.
    • Awareness and preventive measures are vital to reduce transmission.
    • Vaccination and timely medical care are essential for managing KFD.

Why In News

Since January 1 this year, two people have died due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), a viral infection, in Karnataka, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures in affected communities.

MCQs about Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

  1. What is Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) commonly known as?
    A. Bird flu
    B. Monkey fever
    C. Swine flu
    D. Rabies
    Correct Answer: B. Monkey fever
    Explanation: Kyasanur Forest Disease is often referred to as monkey fever due to its association with monkeys as hosts for the virus.
  2. Which ticks are primarily responsible for transmitting KFD?
    A. Ixodes ricinus
    B. Haemaphysalis spinigera
    C. Amblyomma americanum
    D. Dermacentor variabilis
    Correct Answer: B. Haemaphysalis spinigera
    Explanation: The primary carriers of the Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV) are hard ticks, specifically *Haemaphysalis spinigera*.
  3. When was KFD first identified, and what was the source of the virus?
    A. 1945, from a sick dog
    B. 1957, from a sick monkey
    C. 1965, from contaminated water
    D. 1972, from an infected bird
    Correct Answer: B. 1957, from a sick monkey
    Explanation: KFD was first identified in 1957 when the virus was isolated from a sick monkey in the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka.
  4. What preventive measure is available for KFD in endemic areas?
    A. Antibiotic treatment
    B. Vaccination
    C. Quarantine
    D. Antiviral medication
    Correct Answer: B. Vaccination
    Explanation: A vaccine for Kyasanur Forest Disease exists and is used in areas where the disease is endemic, helping to prevent infection.

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