AN OVERVIEW
About Kyasanur Forest Disease Test
Why is the Kyasanur Forest Disease Test done?
Caused by the Flavivirus that belongs to the family Flaviviridae, the kyasanur forest disease was first detected in monkeys found in Karnatakas Shimoga districtspecifically in the Kyasanur Forest (hence the name). The KFD virus is usually tick-borne and affects humans when the ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera) bite them.
The Kyasanur Forest Disease test is done when the person shows symptoms of having contracted the disease. Symptoms are visible within two to seven days from getting bitten by the tick. The symptoms are:
- Frontal headaches
- Fever
- Chills
- Extreme muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Symptoms related to gastrointestinal infection
- Low blood pressure
- Low platelet count
- Low red and white blood cells count
What does the Kyasanur Forest Disease Test measure?
The virus is found mainly in the western and southern parts of India like in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. if a person has been to the areas within these states and has stayed there, they can be asked to take the Kyasanur Forest Disease Test when they mention the incubation period and symptoms.
The test measures whether the virus responsible for the Kyasanur Forest Disease is present in the person. This is done by molecular detection using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Sometimes, serological testing like enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA) can also be used to detect the presence of the antigen in the blood.
Potential risks/side effects associated with the Kyasanur Forest Disease Test
The test for checking the presence of the virus is done by checking the sample collected from the patient. This sample is usually a blood sample and in the hands of an experienced phlebotomist, the process of drawing blood is quick, clean, and painless. If a person is already suffering from anemia, they can feel light-headed and nauseous. But, with rest, this side effect goes away.
Another side effect that a person might face is that they might see a bruising around the area where the needle punctured the skin. This bruising goes away within a short time and does not cause long-term damage to the tissues around that area.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
Are there any medications specified for KFD?
As of now, there are no known medications that treat the kyasanur forest disease. Patients suffering form it are placed in supportive care till they recover.
What is the mortality rate associated with the disease?
The disease is said to have a mortality rate of 3% to 5%.
Is vaccination possible?
In areas where the virus is an endemic, a killed strain of the vrus is used as a vaccine to prevent people from succumbing to the disease.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the Kyasanur Forest Disease Test results
There can be only two results related to the kyasanur forest disease test. Ether the results can be positive which will prompt the doctor to start treatment immediately. This is done by ensuring the patient stays hydrated and preventing excessive bleeding. When the results are negative, it means that the person is not suffering from kyasanur. This will then prompt the doctors to prescribe other tests.
Kyasanur Forest Disease often gets cured on its own. But, being a biphasic disease, sometimes the virus can start the second phase within 3 weeks of the first phase.
Kyasanur Forest Disease Test In Chandigarh
The Kyasanur Forest Disease Test is prescribed by doctors when the patient shows symptoms of having been infected by the virus that causes the Kyasanur Forest Disease. While the disease was first detected in a forest of Karnataka, the Kyasanur Forest Disease Test in Chandigarh is still ordered because the virus that causes the disease can be found anywhere.
Book now Disclaimer: This site does not replace professional medical advice for Kyasanur Forest Disease Test In Chandigarh. Always consult your healthcare provider for concerns about your health.
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