Thirthahalli: Fear of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, has resurfaced in the Malnad region after a man from the Thirthahalli taluk died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Mangaluru.

The deceased has been identified as Kishore, a resident of a sasi thota near Kattehaklu. Health sources suspect he may have been infected with KFD, and this is being seen as the first suspected KFD-related death of the year.

According to available details, Kishore had been suffering from severe illness for the past one week. He was first admitted to JC Hospital in Thirthahalli, but was later shifted to a private hospital in Mangaluru after his condition worsened.

He reportedly died at around 2.30 am on Tuesday after failing to respond to treatment.

Further medical confirmation is awaited.