Kyasanur forest disease: A brief overview and relevance to public health in the Czech Republic

Česká verzia

Authors: M. Špačková ¹ ; H. Orlíková ^1,2 ; J. Kynčl ^1,2 ; K. Kybicová ³ ; J. Košťálová ¹
Authors place of work: Oddělení epidemiologie infekčních nemocí, Centrum epidemiologie a mikrobiologie, Státní zdravotní ústav, Praha ¹; Ústav epidemiologie a biostatistiky 3. LF UK, Praha ²; Národní referenční laboratoř pro lymeskou borreliózu, Centrum epidemiologie a mikrobiologie, Státní zdravotní ústav, Praha ³
Published in the journal: Epidemiol. Mikrobiol. Imunol. 75, 2026, č. 3, s. 127-130
Category: Krátké sdělení
doi: https://doi.org/10.61568/emi/11-6760/20260624/143938

Summary

Kyasanur forest disease is a tick-borne haemorrhagic disease endemic to southern India. The cases have recently been on the rise in India, and the area of occurrence is expanding. This is primarily due to climate change, deforestation, and increased human contact with forest ecosystems. The symptoms include fever, myalgia, haemorrhagic manifestations, and neurological complications. The case-fatality rate ranges from 3% to 10%. Kyasanur forest disease may be underdiagnosed, given its possible subclinical course. In India, an inactivated vaccine was available until 2022 but was withdrawn due to limited efficacy and short-term protection. Education and protection against ticks remain the primary means of prevention. Kyasanur forest disease has not yet been reported in the Czech Republic; however, we may encounter imported cases in the future following travel to endemic areas. The disease is becoming a significant emerging zoonosis, underscoring the need for a One Health approach and strengthened surveillance of arboviruses in Central Europe as well.

Keywords:

surveillance – Zoonoses – India – Climate change – Kyasanur Forest Disease – One Health – flavivirus – tick-borne diseases

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