Mysuru: Maintaining that no case of  Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever, has been reported from anywhere in the district, District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. B. Basavaraj has said there is no cause of worry in this regard.

Addressing a press conference at the DC’s Office here this morning, Dr. Basavaraj said the disease breaks out when leeches which have bitten infected Black Langurs, later bites human beings.

Pointing out that leeches from H.D. Kote forest areas have been sent to Shivamogga Laboratories for testing, the DHO said that, as a precautionary measure, blood samples of some tribals living in Haadis have been sent to a Lab in Manipal for testing. The lab reports are expected in a week, he said while ruling out any outbreak of KFD in the district.

Noting that KFD symptoms are almost similar to dengue, he said that the general symptoms are running fever for ten days along with severe headache, cough, running nose etc.

Asking the people to rush to nearby hospitals in case of any health upset, he said that the Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and high alert has been sounded across the district for preventing outbreak of any disease.