Reviews
Kyasanur Forest Disease: A Narrative Review of Clinical Features, Transmission, Diagnosis and Public Health Strategies
Correspondence Address :
Amartya Aaruhya,
Undergraduate Student, Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha-442107, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: amartya.104@gmail.com
Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is an emerging tick-borne viral haemorrhagic illness which is endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India, caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), a Flavivirus transmitted primarily by haemaphysalis ticks. KFD presents after a 3-8 day incubation with abrupt fever, headache, myalgia and gastrointestinal symptoms and may progress to haemorrhagic and neurological complications. Spread of KFD to other neighbouring states underscores challenges to control the disease. Diagnosis of KFD depends upon Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) during early viremia, which is then followed by Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), with emerging isothermal amplification techniques showing promise for field use. Measures for prevention of KFD are vaccination, carcass disposal, avoidance of ticks, along with community education. Treatment is mainly supportive, which focuses on intensive care for severe cases. Strengthening of surveillance methods, vaccinations and integrated one health strategies are essential for reducing burden of the disease.
Arboviral infections, Disease surveillance, Flavivirus, Haemorrhagic fever, Tick-borne diseases
DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2026/85541.24412
Date of Submission: Nov 24, 2025
Date of Peer Review: Feb 28, 2026
Date of Acceptance: Jun 17, 2026
Date of Publishing: Sep 01, 2026
AUTHOR DECLARATION:
• Financial or Other Competing Interests: None
• Was informed consent obtained from the subjects involved in the study? NA
• For any images presented appropriate consent has been obtained from the subjects. No
PLAGIARISM CHECKING METHODS:
• Plagiarism X-checker: Nov 29, 2025
• Manual Googling: Jun 13, 2026
• iThenticate Software: Jun 15, 2026 (2%)
ETYMOLOGY: Author Origin
EMENDATIONS: 6
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- HINARI Access to Research in Health Programme
- Indian Science Abstracts (ISA)
- Journal seek Database
- Popline (reproductive health literature)
- www.omnimedicalsearch.com
