Monkey fever, also known as Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever that poses a significant public health threat, particularly in forested regions.
The primary cause of monkey fever is the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, primarily Haemaphysalis spinigera.
The symptoms of monkey fever typically manifest within 3 to 8 days following the tick bite. Initial symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, and chills, resembling flu-like symptoms. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop.
Diagnosing monkey fever involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and epidemiological investigation. Laboratory tests commonly used for diagnosing monkey fever include ELISA, RT-PCR, and viral isolation from blood samples.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment available for monkey fever. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment, focusing on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications.