Bengaluru/IBNS: Four people since January lost their lives to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, in Karnataka with a new report of death emerging from Shivamogga, media reports said.

The 57-year-old hails from the Uttara Kannada district, which is one of the areas affected by the virus.

Last Friday, a five-year-old girl died of the virus in the Arendur village of Siddapura taluk.

She was admitted to KMC Hospital after her health deteriorated. The girl died after she stopped responding to the treatment.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao held meetings with legislators and district officers over the outbreak of the virus.

As per a report by The Indian Express, the state government is in talks with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for conducting effective vaccination.

Health officials claim the particular virus spreads due to the bites of ticks that feed on monkeys.

The authorities are conducting a door-to-door awareness campaign following the outbreak of the virus.