India, Jan. 29 -- Karnataka has reported its first death this year due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever, after a 29-year-old man from Thirthahalli in Shivamogga district succumbed to the infection at a hospital in neighbouring Udupi.

The patient had been suffering from fever since January 20 and was initially admitted to a local hospital before being shifted to Manipal's KMC Hospital on Sunday as his condition worsened, The Times of India reported. Blood tests later confirmed that he had contracted KFD, a tick-borne viral disease.

Health department officials described the case as unusual, noting that early detection of KFD typically leads to near-total recovery. Authorities said the infection was confirme...