Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) Vaccine

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Why in News?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is developing an improved indigenous vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD).

KFD Vaccine – It is a fully indigenous, two-dose, adjuvanted inactivated vaccine.

Developed by – Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) in collaboration with ICMR–National Institute of Virology (NIV).
Under the – Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Schedule – Two doses given 28 days apart.
As the vaccine-induced immunity is short-lived, the first booster dose is recommended in about 6–9 months.
Current Status – Animal and toxicity studies completed.
Phase I human clinical trial initiated after Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approval.

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

It is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever endemic to the Western Ghats region.
The states include Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra.
Causes – The KFD flavivirus virus (single-stranded RNA virus).
Transmitted by –
Tick bites of Haemaphysalis spinigera or exposure to an infected animal.
Virus is maintained in ticks, rodents, birds, shrews, and monkeys.
KFD does not spread from person to person.
Vulnerable populations – Hunters, herders, forest workers, and farmers in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra.
Monkeys and small mammals are also susceptible.
- Duration – People are more likely to get KFD during the dry season from November to June.
Symptoms –
- Fever, chills, headache.
- Severe muscle pain.
- Vomiting and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Bleeding manifestations.
- In some cases, neurological complications.
Progression Stages – Symptoms appear 3–8 days after infection.
Initial fever and headache.
Followed by muscle pain, vomiting, and bleeding after 3–4 days.
Treatment – There is no cure for KFD.
Prevention through vaccination and tick control is key.

Kyasanur Forest Disease

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