KOZHIKODE: The number of deaths due to Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) or monkey fever in Wayanad has risen to 11 with one more person succumbing to the disease on Saturday.
Health department officials said Thresiyamma Joseph, 53, from Poothadi died in the wee hours even as 100 of the 210 fever cases have tested positively for KFD. Of the deceased, 7 are from the tribal community who lives on the periphery of forest.
District Medical Officer Dr P.V Sasidharan said Thresiyamma was afflicted with the disease a few months back and was discharged from hospital days back. Poothady gram panchayat is the worst affected with five deaths reporting due to KFD so far.
The health officials say the spread of the disease will slow down as the monsoon gains strength since the KFD spreading tick will not survive in the rain. “The tick in its larva stage is the most dangerous one. The larva will have a fast death during monsoon,” said an official.
