Why in News?
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated human clinical trials for an improved vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD). The move aims to strengthen India’s response to tick-borne viral diseases in the Western Ghats.
Kyasanur Forest Disease:
Also known as: “Monkey Fever”Causative Agent:
- KFD virus (a Flavivirus)
Transmission (Vector):
- Bite of infected hard ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera)
Animal Hosts:
- Monkeys (macaques and langurs)
- Rodents and shrews
Human Symptoms:
- Fever, headache, muscle pain
- Hemorrhagic manifestations in severe cases
