Monkey fever: Here are symptoms, treatment & cure of this rare disease

Monkey Fever, also known as Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD), is caused by Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV). It was identified in 1957, when it was confined from a sick monkey from the Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka (formerly Mysore), India. Since then, between 400 to 500 human cases per year have been reported due to monkey fever.

As per information available at Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) transmission occurs through tick bites or contact with sick monkeys. Hard ticks are the reservoir of KFD virus and once infected, stays for life. Rodents, shrews, and monkeys are common hosts for KFDV after being bitten by an infected tick. KFDV can cause high fatality in primates.

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Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention of the disease, according to CDC:

Transmission

• Transmission of this disease to humans may occur after a tick bite or contact with an infected animal, most importantly a sick or recently dead monkey.
• Still, there is no person-to-person transmission described by the CDC.
• Big animals such as goats, cows, and sheep may become infected with monkey fever (KFD) but play a minor role in the transmission of the disease.
• Also, there is no data of disease transmission through the unpasteurized milk of any of these animals.

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Signs and Symptoms

Early-stage:

• The symptoms are high fever and headaches in the initial three to eight days in humans.

• Severe muscle pain with vomiting, gastrointestinal symptoms and bleeding problems may occur three-four days after initial symptom onset.
• Patients may experience abnormally low blood pressure, and low platelet, red blood cell, and white blood cell count.

Future stage:

• After one-two weeks of symptoms, some patients recover without any problem.

• However, the illness is basic for a subset of patients who experience a second wave of symptoms at the start of the third week.

• These symptoms include fever and signs of neurological manifestations, such as severe headache, mental disturbances, tremors, and vision shortfalls.

• The estimated case-fatality rate is from 3 to 5% for Monkey fever (KFD).

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Treatment/Cure/Prevention:

• There is no specific treatment for Monkey fever or KFD, but early analysis and supportive therapy is vital.
• Supportive therapy includes the care of hydration and normal precautions for patients with bleeding disorders.
• A vaccine does exist for KFD and is used in common areas of India.
• Additional preventative measures include insect repellents and wearing protective clothing in areas where ticks are widespread.

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DISCLAIMER: Sometimes the symptoms and effects of this disease might differ from person to person. It is best advised to consult a doctor before the diagnosis of this disease.