Kyasan

Kyasan is a geographic region in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. The name is closely associated with the Kyasanur Forest, a protected forest area in Shimoga (Shivamogga) district, and with the broader Kyasanur area that surrounds it. The region lies within the tropical moist and evergreen forest belt of the Western Ghats and is part of a biodiversity hotspot that supports a range of flora and fauna.

The Kyasan region is characterized by forested landscapes, rugged terrain, and a climate influenced by the monsoon. It has historically supported rural communities that depend on forestry, agriculture, and, increasingly, eco-tourism. Deforestation and habitat fragmentation have affected local ecosystems and can influence the distribution of wildlife and ticks in the area.

Public health and science are closely linked to Kyasan through Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever named after the Kyasanur Forest where the first human cases were identified in 1957. KFD is transmitted mainly by ticks, with non-human primates acting as amplifying hosts. Human cases have been reported in Karnataka and neighboring states, with seasonal peaks associated with ecological conditions that favor tick activity. Control programs focus on surveillance, tick control measures, public education, and vaccination for people at risk.

See also: Kyasanur Forest Disease, Western Ghats, Shimoga district.