Know More About Chandipura Virus That Claimed Lives Of 6 Children In Gujarat (image-twitter/OperonArt)
Six children in Gujarat’s Aaravalli district are suspected to have died from Chandipura virus in the last five days. So far, a total of 12 suspected cases have been reported.
According to Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, the virus has resulted in the death of six children in the past five days. All 12 samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for verification.
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Chandipura virus or Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV) is an RNA virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the rabies virus.
It is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. However, the exact transmission method is not fully understood. Certain animals have the capacity to act as a reservoir for the virus, though it is not completely confirmed yet.
Outbreaks have been linked to specific environmental conditions that favor the breeding of sandflies.
The virus was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura, a village in Maharashtra. It primarily affects children and has been associated with outbreaks of acute encephalitis in India.
However, the disease is not contagious. The virus is a serious pathogen with a rapid onset of severe symptoms. Due to the unavailability of specific antiviral treatments, early diagnosis, and supportive care are crucial.
The preventive measure is focused on controlling sand fly populations and minimizing human exposure remain the primary strategies for managing the risk of infection.
Currently, there are no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines against the Chandipura virus.
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The symptoms typically begin with high fever, headaches, vomiting and altered mental status.
“Public health strategies include the use of insect repellents, bed nets, and insecticides, as well as raising awareness about the risks and symptoms of the disease,” Dr Neha Rastogi Panda, Consultant, Infectious Disease, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, told IANS.
She also stressed the need for increasing research to better understand the virus’s transmission dynamics.
