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Since January 1 this year, two people have died due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD).
Its a viral infection, in Karnataka.
The number of deaths reported due to the disease since 1956, when it was noticed in the forests of Shivamogga district, is above 560.
Since January 1, the Department of Health and Family Welfare has conducted 2,567 tests and 68 people have been found positive.
Kyasanur Forest Disease
The disease was first noticed in the Kysanur Forest area of Sorab Taluk in Shivamogga district in 1956.
It was named after the region.
It is also known as monkey fever, as monkeys also get infected.
In fact, the death of a monkey serves as a warning of a KFD outbreak.
The scientists concluded that the virus must have been present in the forests of Malnad region.
It became active due to ecological changes.
The disease spreads through ticks.
Primates that come in contact with infective ticks contract the disease.
Human beings who visit the same forest area can contract the disease.
Normally, the transmission begins from late November to June.
It peaks between December and March, according to studies.
A blood test is done to identify if someone has KFD.
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