Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat: The rising cases and deaths due to Chandipura virus has become a cause of concern in Gujarat. Reportedly, the death toll of suspected cases has gone to 15 as the virus has spread in over 10 districts of Gujarat.
On Wednesday, data from the State Health Department revealed that around 29 suspected cases have been reported in the state.
According to a report by The Hindu, doctors and the government believe that the cases of Chandipura virus are likely to increase more in the coming days and the virus will spread in more districts of the state.
Out of the 29 suspected cases, 26 are from Gujarat, two from Rajasthan, and one case from Madhya Pradesh. Of the 15 deaths, 13 are from the State while one each from the neighbouring States of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, The Hindu reported.
The Chandipura virus cases have been reported from Sabarkantha, Aravali, Mehsana, Rajkot, Ahmedabad city, Morbi, Panchmahal, and others.
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, meanwhile, shared an advisory on X and said “several suspected CHPV cases (caused by sandflies) have been reported from different districts”. “The symptoms include high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures and loss of consciousness. It affects children until the age of 14. If any of these symptoms are spotted, contact the nearest health centre immediately,” he wrote on Wednesday.
What is Chandipura virus?
Chandipura virus is associated with encephalitic illness. The virus causes fever, with symptoms similar to flu, and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae. It is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies.
The 2003-2004 outbreaks in central India witnessed case fatality rates ranging from 56-75 % in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat with typical encephalitic symptoms, The Hindu reported.
What are the symptoms of Chandipura virus?
Chandipura virus causes symptoms like:
- fever with symptoms similar to flu,
- vomiting
- acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- convulsions
Rapid progression can lead to encephalitis, characterised by inflammation of the brain, leading to coma or death if not treated promptly.
What causes infection of Chandipura virus?
The district health teams has taken preventive measures such as advising villagers to cover gaps in walls, and ensure hygiene and sanitation among others before the arrival of monsoon in the state.
According to Panchmahal CDHO Dr M R Chaudhari, the CHPV virus is more common in rural areas as its breeding ground is usually dark holes in trees or gaps between bricks of kutcha homes.
It is transmitted primarily through phlebotomine sandflies and sometimes through ticks and mosquitoes.