Deaths from Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) during Karnataka’s current dry season have risen to 12, while in late February more than 1,500 suspected KFD cases were reported from just three districts - Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada and Chikkamagaluru. Risk of KFD infection is highest for people who work in rural or forested areas inhabited by ticks, the vector of KFD, or who have contact with infected animals (usually a monkey). A locally produced vaccine is said to be >80 percent effective after the third dose. More on KFD from the CDC. Read more
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