At least six children are suspected to have died in the last five days from a 'Chandipura' virus outbreak in Gujarat's Aaravalli district, according to health department officials. The State Health Minister, Rushikesh Patel, said in a statement that there are 12 suspected cases of the deadly virus in the district. "Five out of six deaths have been reported from the civil hospital in Himatnagar in Sabarkantha district. All 12 samples, including eight from Sabarkantha, have been sent to Pune's National Institute of Virology (NIV) for confirmation," Patel noted.
5 Things To Know About The Virus
What is the Chandipura virus?
Chandipura virus, aka Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV), is an RNA virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the rabies virus. The fatal infection is named after the Chandipura village in Maharashtra, where the virus was first detected in 1965.
How does it spread?
While healthcare professionals know that the Chandipura virus is transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies, ticks, and mosquitoes, research on its exact mechanisms is still underway. According to reports, certain animal species may favour the breeding of sandflies which build the virus. However, this is still under investigation. Additionally, outbreaks have been linked to specific environmental conditions that favour the breeding of sandflies.
Who is at risk?
According to healthcare officials, the virus primarily affects children and has been associated with outbreaks of acute encephalitis in India. Patel said, "This disease occurs by the sting of a vector-infected sandfly and it mainly affects children aged 9 months-14 years. It is seen more in rural areas."
What are the symptoms?
The Health Ministry noted that the symptoms of the Chandipura virus include sudden onset of fever, frequent vomiting, loose motion and severe headache. According to reports, some other symptoms include seizures or convulsions as well as sudden changes in mental state.
Confusion, irritability, and changes in consciousness are some of the mental symptoms that are linked to the Chandipura virus. In some severe cases, the virus can also reportedly lead to a coma and death.
Preventative measures
It must be noted that the Chandipura virus infection is not contagious. The preventive measures include controlling sand fly populations, minimising human exposure, and public health awareness programs. At a domestic level, using protective clothing and insect repellants can be helpful. Healthcare professionals state that antiviral treatments, early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial in treatment.
There is no specific vaccine for this virus, however, the treatment process involves supportive care to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. These include antipyretics (to reduce fever), anticonvulsants (reduce seizures), sufficient hydration hospitalisation, and in some cases, intensive care to manage respiratory and neurological complications
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