Study of the clinical manifestations and risk factors in people affected during the first Kyasanur Forest Disease outbreak in Goa, India: A mixed method study

Abstract

Background objectives: Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a tick-borne, zoonotic viral hemorrhagic fever, previously known to be endemic to the state of Karnataka, India. The first outbreak of KFD in Goa state was reported in the Sattari taluka, in North Goa in 2015. This study aimed to investigate the outbreak and report the clinical manifestations and risk factors in people diagnosed with KFD.

Methods: A mixed methods approach was used, which included a case series report and 19 in-depth interviews (IDIs) conducted with people diagnosed with KFD. The recorded IDIs were transcribed and translated and themes were coded for the analysis.

Results: There were 73 suspected cases of which 30 were confirmed to have KFD using RT-PCR. There were four suspected deaths of which two were confirmed by RT-PCR. Most of the affected individuals were found to be dependent on the forest for their livelihood. Most of the people in the region were engaged in cashew plantations and had to travel to the forest to fetch firewood and cashew, hence were at a higher risk. They lived near the forest. The lack of hemorrhagic manifestation was noteworthy in the current outbreak.

Interpretation conclusion: The 'One Health' approach should be implemented to control KFD. Tick bite prevention measures coupled with vaccination of high-risk groups and intensive health education should be carried out, especially before the transmission season. There is a need to have high clinical suspicion for KFD in the region bearing in mind the non-hemorrhagic manifestation in this outbreak.