Monkey fever is also called Kysanur forest disease as initially it was noted in Kyasanur forest of Karnataka, India.
This disease comes in a group of diseases classified as Tick borne viral encephalitis. In complicated disease symptoms of encephalitis like loss of consciouness, headache, seizures may occur. It may cause coma and death even after treatment.
Other characteristic of this viral fever is bleeding and hemorrhage in different organs especially in gastrointestinal tract of the patients. It may lead to shock and death due to excessive bleeding.
Name of disease | Monkey fever or Kyasanur forest disease |
Causative agent | Virus: Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV) |
Vactor | Ticks Haemaphysalis spinigera |
Reservoirs | Rodents and cattle |
Amplifiers | Monkeys |
Regions where cases of monkey fever are reported | Forest areas of: Karnataka Kutch and Saurashtra of Gujrat state Kingaon and Parbatpur of West Bengal Andaman and Nicobar |
Fatality rate | 3-10 percent |
High-risk group | Some people have an increased risk of getting Money fever. These groups of people include: Those who go to forests. Hunters. Tribal people working or staying in the forest Dry leaf gatherers |
Symptoms and sign | High fever Chills Muscles and limb pain Vomiting Loose motions Blood in vomit and stool Bleeding Frontal headache Mental changes Seizures Loss of consciousness |
Findings | High-grade fever with rigors Vomiting Loss of appetite Signs of dehydration Low blood pressure Signs of encephalitis |
Diagnosis | Suspected clinical followed by blood examination. Low white blood cells, RBC, and platelet counts RT-PCR detects the presence of the virus ELISA test to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against the virus To monitor and treat patient further tests like liver function tests, kidney function tests, serum electrolyte examination may be needed USG abdomen, CT or MRI brain may be needed for management CSF and urine examination may be needed to treat the patient |
Treatment | Currently no specific treatment available for Monkey fever or Kyasanur forest disease Symptomatic treatment is the mainstay of the therapy. Anti-pyretic medicine paracetamol is given for fever. Anti-emetic medicine like ondansetron may be given to control vomiting. Hydration is maintained by oral and IV fluids. Patients with low blood pressure, bleeding, those not able to eat at home and those who are sick need hospitalization. Serious patients are given live supportive treatment in ICU. |
Prevention | Can be prevented by vaccination and control of tick insects. Vaccine for tick-borne viral encephalitis can be used in those who have the risk of getting the disease. Controlling insect vectors is another strategy to prevent the spread of the virus to humans. Wearing protective clothing while going to forest areas may help |