Monkey fever death: NHRC seeks ATR from Karnataka govt over alleged healthcare lapses

Karnataka: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Karnataka government over a complaint alleging gaps in public health preparedness, disease surveillance, vaccination coverage and timely medical care following a death due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever, in the state.

The Commission issued directions to the Chief Secretary of Karnataka and the Principal Secretary of the state's Department of Health and Family Welfare on October 19, 2026, following a petition alleging deficiencies in disease surveillance, vaccination coverage, public health preparedness and timely medical response in KFD-endemic regions.

The complaint was filed by Hyderabad-based advocate Y Balachander Reddy, who raised concerns about gaps in public health preparedness, disease surveillance, vaccination coverage, and timely medical response in endemic regions. The petition alleged systemic failures impacting vulnerable and forest-dependent communities, with reference to the Right to Life under Article 21.

According to the complaint, Karnataka reported its first (KFD) related death of the 2026 season in January, involving a 29-year-old resident of Thirthahalli taluk in Shivamogga district. The patient was reportedly diagnosed with the infection and placed under medical supervision. However, his condition subsequently deteriorated, resulting in his death.

The petitioner alleged that the fatality raised serious questions about healthcare preparedness in the Malenadu and Western Ghats regions, where KFD has been recognised as a recurring public health concern.

In his petition dated January 30, 2026, the advocate alleged shortcomings in early disease surveillance, seasonal preparedness, vaccination coverage and healthcare accessibility in endemic regions. He also raised concerns about insufficient primary and referral healthcare facilities in forest-fringe areas, inadequate public awareness and possible delays in accessing advanced medical treatment.

The petition highlighted the vulnerability of forest-dependent populations, including marginal farmers, daily-wage labourers, grazers and tribal communities, who may face increased exposure to the disease because of their livelihood activities.

Invoking Article 21 of the Constitution, the petitioner argued that the right to life encompasses access to timely healthcare and preventive public health measures.

He urged the NHRC to examine the alleged deficiencies and recommend corrective steps to prevent further KFD-related fatalities.

The petition also sought an independent inquiry, appropriate monetary compensation for the deceased's family, deployment of NHRC Special Rapporteurs to affected districts and comprehensive public health advisories for endemic regions.

NHRC Directs Karnataka Authorities to Submit Report

The complaint, dated January 30, 2026, was received by the NHRC on February 9, 2026, and subsequently registered as Case No. 253/10/0/2026 on May 11, 2026.

After examining the complaint, the Commission issued directions on October 19, 2026.

Referring to the allegations, the NHRC recorded, "The complainant reports a death caused by Kyasanur Forest Disease (Monkey Fever) in Karnataka. The petition raises concerns about gaps in public health preparedness, disease surveillance, vaccination coverage, and timely medical response in endemic regions. It highlights systemic failures impacting vulnerable and forest-dependent communities, with reference to the Right to Life under Article 21."

The Commission subsequently directed, "Let a copy of the complaint be transmitted to the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Karnataka and Principal Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Karnataka, through online mode, to ensure the needful action and submit the action taken report duly translated in English to the Commission within four weeks."

Accordingly, the Karnataka Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare have been asked to respond to the complaint and furnish a report detailing the action taken.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Advocate Y Balachander Reddy said that the NHRC had taken action on his complaint and directed the concerned Karnataka government authorities to submit their Action Taken Report within four weeks. He stated that the matter would be taken up again after the four-week period to examine the response submitted by the authorities.

According to the advocate, if the concerned authorities fail to comply with the NHRC's directions or submit the required report, the Commission may proceed with further action, including issuing summons requiring the officials concerned to appear before it.

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