Chikmagalur: Cases of Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) are on the rise in the district with nine positive cases reported in January.The disease was reported around Merpar in Narasimharajapura taluk and Hiregadde in Koppa taluk. Among the nine cases were a 12-year-old boy and a 7-month-old girl.Seven people have recovered and been discharged from hospital. The 7-month-old baby girl and the 36-year-old man are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. Officials say both are out of danger and are recovering.KFD is a contagious viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. However, it cannot be transmitted from person to person, medical officials said.To combat the spread of the disease, authorities have made efforts and raised awareness. Narasimharajapura Taluk Health Authority and Balehonur Primary Health Center distributed DEPA (diethylphenylacetamide) oil, a tick repellent, to villagers and workers in Kalkeshwara village.Officials also urged villagers to be cautious. The main symptoms of this disease are high fever, bloodshot eyes, pain in the joints of the body, nosebleeds, bloody stools, and black stools. If you experience these symptoms, visit your local health center and get a blood test to help detect the disease.There is no specific treatment for this disease. Treatment is based on symptoms. If you get tested immediately at the nearest hospital before your illness becomes serious, you are guaranteed free treatment by the government. Officials said free treatment will be provided at KMC Hospital in Manipal, Udupi district and all government hospitals in the state.Vaccine clinical trialsHealth Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced on Sunday that clinical trials of the KFD vaccine are currently underway and it is expected to be commercially available by next year. Confirming a death due to KFD, popularly known as monkey disease, in Tirusahalli in Shivamogga district last week, he told reporters on Sunday that the hospital provided immediate treatment to KFD patients following complaints about delay in extending treatment to KFD patients.