This year, Maharashtra reported nine cases of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) also known as monkey fever, in the Sindhudurg district. According to the state government’s public health department, the KFD cases in Maharashtra are majorly reported in the Sahyadri range.

According to the State entomologist, the cases are detected in the Western Ghat mainly due to the greater number of monkey population in that region. It is a zoonotic viral disease transmitted to human beings through the bite of infected ticks.