The recent death of an 18-year-old girl from Hosanagar taluk in a suspected case of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) has stressed the need for a vaccine to counter the spread of the infection in Malnad region.
The last death due to KFD was reported in Shivamogga in 2020. So far, three cases of infection have been reported in the district this season (November to May). The State government stopped vaccination in recent years after tests showed that the vaccine, which had been provided since 1990, was ineffective.
Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao, replying to a question by MLC D.S. Arun, in the Belagavi session, said the efforts to procure a new vaccine were on. “We are in consultation with ICMR for the vaccine. The problem is that vaccine manufacturers are not showing interest as the number of vaccine users is low. They have to spend a lot of money on research for the vaccine,” he said. Further, the Minister said the government was ready to offer funds for research activities.
