KFD is transmitted by: March 2010
**Core Concept**
KFD, or Kyasanur Forest Disease, is a viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to India, primarily affecting the Shimoga district of Karnataka. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, specifically the Haemaphysalis spinigera.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The transmission of KFD is attributed to the tick's role in the disease's natural cycle. When an infected tick bites a host, it injects the virus into the bloodstream, leading to the development of the disease. The virus then multiplies within the host's cells, causing symptoms such as fever, headache, and hemorrhaging.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because KFD is not transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because KFD is not transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because KFD is not transmitted through contaminated food or water.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
KFD is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The primary animal host of the KFD virus is the Indian mouse, which is the natural reservoir of the disease.
**Correct Answer: D. Through the bite of an infected tick.**