Chandipura virus in Gujarat: Increase in death toll raises concern

Chandipura virus in Gujarat: The virus causes fever, with flu-like symptoms, and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The pathogen is a member of the vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family.

The increase in Chandipura virus infection and deaths in Gujarat is a matter of concern. The death toll from the virus has risen to 15 in more than 10 districts of Gujarat

According to the state health department on Wednesday, about 29 suspected cases have been confirmed in the state.

According to a report in The Hindu, the number of cases of Chandipura virus is expected to rise in the coming days and doctors and the government believe the virus will spread to more districts in the state.

Of the 29 suspected cases, 26 are from Gujarat, two from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh. Of the 15 dead, 13 were from the state, while one each from neighboring Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, The Hindu reported.

The Chandipura virus cases have been reported from Savarkanta, Aravali, Mehsana, Rajkot, Ahmedabad city, Morbi, Panchmahal and other places.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel took to Twitter to share an advisory saying that “several suspected CHPV cases (caused by sand flies) have been detected from various districts”. “Symptoms include high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures and unconsciousness. It affects children up to the age of 14. If any of these symptoms occur, consult the nearest health center immediately,” he wrote on Wednesday.

What is Chandipura virus?

Chandipura virus is associated with neurological diseases. The virus causes fever, flu-like symptoms and severe encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The pathogen is a member of the vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family. It is spread by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies.

In 2003–2004, the outbreak in central India resulted in death rates ranging from 56–75% in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, where symptoms of typical encephalitis were observed, The Hindu reported.

What are the symptoms of Chandipura virus?

The following symptoms are caused by the Chandipura virus.

• Fever with flu-like symptoms Vomit
• Acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

Rapid progression can lead to encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that can lead to coma or death if not treated promptly.

What causes Chandipura virus infection?

District health teams have taken preventive measures like covering gaps in walls and ensuring hygiene to villagers before the arrival of monsoon in the state

Panchmahal CDHO. Dr. M.R. According to Chowdhury, the CHPV. The virus is most common in rural areas, as its breeding grounds are usually deep holes in trees or gaps between bricks in mud houses.

It is spread primarily by phlebotomine sandflies and occasionally by ticks and mosquitoes.

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