The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune has confirmed that the death of a four-year-old girl in Gujarat was due to the Chandipura virus. Currently, there have been 15 deaths suspected to be caused by this virus, with a total of 29 cases reported across nearly twelve districts. Out of these 29 cases, 26 are in Gujarat, two in Rajasthan, and one in Madhya Pradesh. Among the deaths, 13 are from Gujarat, and one each from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel stated that preventive measures are being implemented in the affected districts. Over 50,000 people have been screened, and all district and rural hospitals have been advised to send samples of suspected cases to the NIV. Officials expect the number of cases to rise in the coming days as more confirmations are made.
This is not the first time India has faced an outbreak of the Chandipura virus. In 2003-04, there were outbreaks in central India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, which resulted in the deaths of over 300 children.
What is the Chandipura virus?
The Chandipura virus belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus in the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the rabies virus. According to a 2004 article in The Lancet titled “Chandipura virus: an emerging human pathogen?”, the virus was first identified in 1965 from the blood of two adults with a fever in a village in Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is named after this village. The virus was also isolated in 1980 from a patient with acute encephalitis in Madhya Pradesh.
How is it transmitted?
The virus is believed to be spread by the female Phlebotomine sandfly, which is common during the early monsoon season. A 2016 study published in The Indian Journal of Medical Research indicated that the Sergentomyia sandflies might also play a role. The study also found that several species of mosquitoes could carry and transmit the virus in laboratory conditions, with Aedes aegypti (which also spreads dengue) being particularly effective. However, the virus has not yet been isolated from mosquitoes in the wild.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
The Chandipura virus causes encephalitis, which leads to brain inflammation. Symptoms, as detailed in a Lancet paper on an outbreak in Andhra Pradesh in 2003, include:
– Sudden onset of fever
– Vomiting
– Altered mental status or consciousess
– Convulsions and diarrhea
– Neurological issues such as difficulty speaking, balance problems, and vision changes
– Signs of meningeal irritation like headaches, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, and seizures
Who is at risk?
The virus primarily affects children under the age of 15, especially those in rural areas. During the 2003 outbreak in Andhra Pradesh, affected children were aged between 9 months and 14 years, with most deaths occurring within 48 hours of hospitalization. In the current Gujarat outbreak, all suspected deaths have been among children.
How is it treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for the Chandipura virus. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. According to a 2014 document by the Gujarat government on managing Chandipura encephalitis, treatment focuses on maintaining airways, breathing, and circulation with oxygen therapy and ventilation if needed. Managing fluid and electrolyte balance, controlling high fever, reducing intracranial pressure, managing seizures, and preventing secondary infections are also important.
How can it be prevented?
Prevention involves controlling the sandfly population by identifying breeding sites, spraying insecticides, and improving sanitation and environmental conditions. This includes proper waste disposal, eliminating open-air defecation, and using flypaper. Personal protection from bites is also key, using protective clothing, repellents, and mosquito nets.
