So far the virus has killed two and infected 30 people in villages of Sawantwadi this year. (Photo: Pixabay)

Mumbai: The Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) known as monkey fever, primarily restricted to Dodamarg taluka in Sindhudurg, is now spreading in Sawantwadi taluka, said state health officials.

Of late, the virus has been spreading to more villages in Sawantwadi, another taluka in the district. So far the virus has killed two and infected 30 people in villages of Sawantwadi this year.

The state health officials on precautionary measures have vaccinated over 50,000 people who are at risk, which includes mainly farmers, shepherds, forest workers and people living in areas surrounded by forest.

The population of Dodamarg and Sawantwadi who are at risk of contracting the infection is about 67,705.

The outbreak of the viral disease was first reported in Maharasashtra’s Sindhu-durg district in January 2016 and since then has been keeping the public health department on its toes.