Lagatar24 Desk
Himmatnagar, Gujarat: Six fatalities have been reported at Himmatnagar Hospital due to the Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV), commonly known as the Chandipura virus. On Monday, two children in Aravalli, Gujarat, succumbed to the viral infection. This follows the deaths of four individuals in Sabarkantha district on Saturday, who died from suspected CHPV infection, which causes encephalitis, or inflammation of brain tissues.
Chief District Health Officer of Aravalli, MA Siddiqui, told ANI, “Fifty teams have been constituted to conduct mass-level dusting. I appeal to farmers to use insecticides and pesticides to kill mosquitoes. Children should wear full-sleeved clothes to prevent mosquito bites.”
Understanding the Chandipura Virus
The Chandipura virus first emerged in Nagpur, central India, between April and June 1965, causing fever in humans. Researchers Pravin N Bhatt and FM Rodrigues from the Pune Virus Research Centre identified it as an arbovirus (viruses transmitted through arthropod vectors) new to India.
This virus, classified as a member of the Vesiculovirus genus in the Rhabdoviridae family, is known for its rod-shaped, bullet-like appearance. A 2016 review in the Indian Journal of Medical Research highlighted the virus’s lethality in infants and adult mice.
The 2003-04 CHPV outbreaks in central India led to 322 child deaths, with Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat reporting fatality rates between 56% and 75%. Most deaths occurred within 24 hours of symptom onset. Subsequent outbreaks were recorded in Telangana’s Warangal district (2006) and Nagpur, Maharashtra (2007). The virus has also been detected in Nigeria, Senegal, and Sri Lanka.
Symptoms and Vectors
Chandipura virus symptoms include sudden high fever, seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, and reduced awareness, often leading to death within 48-72 hours. Encephalitis is the primary cause of death.
Sandflies or drain flies, and mosquitoes are the primary vectors of CHPV, as noted in a Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science article by Dipshikha Maiti, Prasenjit Halder, Pritam Roy, and SK Rasania.
Treatment and Prevention
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for the Chandipura virus. Emergency treatments focus on protecting neurons from damage due to lack of blood flow, preventing long-term neurological complications. Medications like mannitol and furosemide are used to reduce brain swelling and manage intracranial pressure.
Preventative measures include vector control, good nutrition, hygiene, and public awareness.
Government Response
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel has assured the public that the situation is under control and urged people not to panic. He emphasized the importance of taking precautions and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
