'Kyasanur forest disease', known as monkey fever has so far claimed five lives in the tribal hamlets of Waynad district, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said here today.
A total of 30 persons inflicted with the disease are undergoing treatment in different hospitals, he told reporters after a cabinet meeting.
Taking a serious note of the situaton, government has sanctioned Rs 30 lakh for relief and preventive measures.
Chandy said government has adequate stocks of medicines to tackle swine flu, which has hit other parts of the country.