Outbreak of Kyasanur Forest disease in Thirthahalli, Karnataka, India, 2014

Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV) was first identified in 1957, when it was isolated from a sick monkey from the Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka State, India. Since then it has been reported to be enzootic in five districts of Karnataka State, India. Recent reports of human infections have reached an alarming level, in spite of the availability of a vaccine. This disease has also been reported from new areas, such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala State. During January–March 2014, KFDV-positive cases were detected in Thirthahalli taluk, Shimoga District, Karnataka State, India. Here, we report an outbreak of Kyasanur Forest disease occurring in the Kannangi and Konandur area, Thirthahalli taluk in Karnataka State, India, with sporadic cases from eight other areas

Kyasanur Forest Disease, India, 2011–2012

To determine the cause of the recent upsurge in Kyasanur Forest disease, we investigated the outbreak that occurred during December 2011–March 2012 in India. Male patients >14 years of age were most commonly affected. Although vaccination is the key strategy for preventing disease, vaccine for boosters was unavailable during 2011, which might be a reason for the increased cases