Symptoms:
KFD is transmitted by a virus, referred to as the KFDV. Transmission of the infection to humans occurs after a tick bite or when there is contact with an infected animal. Person-to-person transmission has not been seen. The fatality rate lies somewhere between 3 to 5%.
- Chills, fever and headache
- Severe muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Bleeding problems
- Abnormally low blood pressure
- Low platelet, red blood cell and white blood cell counts
Tests to diagnose:
- Virus isolation from the blood sample
- Serologic testing using ELISA
- Molecular detection using PCR
Treatment:
- Formalin-inactivated KFDV vaccine
- Antipyretics, analgesics, supportive therapy