Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat: Everything to know about this deadly disease
Gujarat is grappling with a surge in cases of Chandipura virus (CHPV) with Pune's National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirming the death of a four-year-old girl in the state due to the virus. This tragic incident is part of a larger outbreak as confirmed cases reached an all-time high of 37 confirmed infections in the state.
Addressing a press conference, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel?said, "About 133 cases have been registered so far. Of these 37 cases are confirmed for Chandipura and the remaining cases can't be spoken of as confirmed, as far as the symptoms are concerned. We can't call them Acute Viral Syndrome for certain".
A four-member team of experts from NIV have been investigating this unprecedented surge for the past couple of days in Gujarat and reported 2 cases in Rajasthan and 1 in Madhya Pradesh as well. Here's all you need to know about the virus that can turn deadly in severe cases.
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What is Chandipura virus?
Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family and is known to cause sporadic cases and outbreaks in the western, central, and southern parts of the country, primarily during the monsoon season. According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the Chandipura virus was also the cause of a large outbreak of encephalitis in children, involving 329 cases with 183 deaths (56-75% fatality rates), from Andhra Pradesh, in 2003.
Symptoms of Chandipura virus
The cases of Chandipura (CHPV) virus present similar symptoms to that of flu such as high fever combined with headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and delirium and convulsions due to acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
How does Chandipura virus get transmitted?
A 2016 research study noted, that the Chandipura virus is transmitted predominantly through vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies, and primarily affects children under the age of 15, presenting with a fever-like illness that can sometimes lead to death if not diagnosed and medicated appropriately.
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Treatment for Chandipura virus
A recent Union Health Ministry press release highlights, that currently there is no specific vaccine or treatment for Chandipura virus, because of which early diagnosis and timely supportive treatment is crucial. A 2014 report by the Gujarat government titled 'Epidemiology & Management of Chandipura Encephalitis, highlights the management of CHPV virus symptoms includes airway, breathing, and circulation support through oxygen therapy and ventilation in dire cases. It also notes the management of fluid and electrolyte balance, extremely high body temperature (hyperpyrexia), raised intracranial pressure, and seizures, as well as preventing secondary bacterial infections.
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