Clinical trial for KFD medicine under way: Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that clinical trials of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) drug are ongoing. The drug will be available for sale after the trial is completed and accepted according to established procedures.

Mr. Gundu Rao, who visited Shivamogga on February 1, held a meeting with officials in his department and reviewed the measures taken to prevent the spread of the infection in the district.

“Clinical trials of the drug are ongoing. After the approval of the relevant experts, it will be available to the public free of charge. The government will make the necessary arrangements to supply the drug,” he said.

He appealed to the public, especially those living in Malnad areas and those living near forests, to consult doctors if symptoms such as fever and headache occur. “I have instructed the authorities to raise awareness and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of the disease,” he said.

A person, a native of Tirthahalli taluk, who tested positive for KFD, died on January 28. In Chikkamagaluru district, nine people tested positive for the infection in January alone. The infection is spread through ticks. Those who visit forests to graze cattle or collect firewood are vulnerable to infection.