KFD vaccine likely to be available for use by 2026

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that the vaccine for Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is being developed by Indian Immunologicals Ltd. in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

First Phase of Trials: The vaccine has shown promising results in the initial trials.

Second Phase: The second phase of trials is set to begin soon.

Human Trials: Human trials are scheduled to start in April 2025.

Expected Availability: The vaccine is likely to be available for use by 2026. Significance: This development is crucial for preventing KFD, which has been a significant health concern in certain regions of India.

About the Kyasanur Forest Disease Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, is a viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to certain regions of India. 

Cause: KFD is caused by the Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), a member of the virus family Flaviviridae.

First Identified: The disease was first identified in 1957 in the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka. 

Transmission: The virus is primarily spread through the bite of infected hard ticks (Hemaphysalis spinigera).

It can also spread through contact with infected animals, such as monkeys and rodents. 

Symptoms: Symptoms include a sudden onset of high-grade fever, chills, headache, severe muscle pain, vomiting, gastrointestinal symptoms, and bleeding.

Neurological symptoms can also occur in severe cases. 

Geographical Spread: KFD is found in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. It has also spread along the Western Ghats region, including Maharashtra, Goa, and parts of Kerala.