Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as "monkey fever," is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to the southwestern part of India, particularly along the Western Ghats. Let's evaluate each statement based on official sources:
Statement A: Spread to people primarily occurs through tick bites or contact with infected animals.
- Correct. KFD is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected hard ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera). Additionally, direct contact with infected animals, especially sick or deceased monkeys, can also lead to transmission.
Statement B: Kyasanur Forest Disease cannot be fatal.
- Incorrect. KFD can be fatal, with reported case fatality rates ranging from 3% to 5%. Severe cases may lead to hemorrhagic manifestations and neurological complications.
Statement C: There is no vaccine available for people at risk for Kyasanur Forest Disease.
- Incorrect. A vaccine for KFD exists and is used in endemic areas to protect high-risk populations. The vaccine is a formalin-inactivated KFD virus vaccine, and its administration is part of public health measures in affected regions.
Statement D: Kyasanur Forest Disease, also known as monkey fever, is a unique public health problem along the belts of Western Ghats of India.
- Correct. KFD is indeed a significant public health concern in the Western Ghats, affecting states like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa. The disease's emergence and re-emergence in these areas pose ongoing challenges to public health authorities.
Conclusion:
Statements A and D are correct, while Statements B and C are incorrect.
Answer: (1) A and D
