Chandipura Virus Outbreak among Children In Gujarat

Bhopal/New Delhi: The Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat has now become a significant public health concern in India with the death toll rising everyday. Understanding the virus, its transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures is essential for controlling the outbreak. Public health authorities and communities must collaborate to manage and mitigate the impact of CHPV.

CHANDIPURA VIRUS (CHPV): CHPV, part of the Rhabdoviridae family, shares its lineage with the rabies virus. It is primarily transmitted by sandflies and mosquitoes, including the Aedes aegypti species, which also spreads dengue. Discovered in 1965 near Nagpur, Maharashtra, the virus is known for causing encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. The female phlebotomine sandfly, especially active during the early monsoon, is a significant vector for CHPV.

SYMPTOMS: CHPV primarily affects children under 15, particularly in rural areas. The symptoms include:
Sudden onset of fever
Vomiting
Altered mental state
Seizures
Diarrhea
Neurological deficits (e.g., difficulty speaking, loss of balance)
Signs of meningeal irritation (headaches, stiff neck, sensitivity to light)

IMPACT AND FATALITIES: The rapid progression of the disease often leads to severe outcomes. Most affected children deteriorate quickly, with fatalities occurring within 48 hours of hospital admission. The current outbreak in Gujarat is reminiscent of the 2003-04 outbreaks in central India, which resulted in over 300 children’s deaths.

TRANSMISSION: CHPV resides in the salivary glands of sand flies and mosquitoes. The infection spreads to humans and domestic animals through bites. Notably, the virus has not been isolated from mosquitoes in documented cases. The vector’s control and environmental management play crucial roles in preventing the spread.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION : Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for CHPV. Healthcare Managements focuses on early diagnosis and supportive care, including:

Airway management
Fluid balance maintenance
Prevention of secondary bacterial infections.

Prevention Strategies Include:

Vector control and eliminating sandfly breeding sites
Protective measures like wearing appropriate clothing and using repellents
Using nets to prevent sandfly bites
Ensuring proper waste disposal and sanitation

PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES 
Public health authorities must act decisively to curb the virus’s spread. Proactive measures include:

Enhanced surveillance and reporting of suspected cases
Public awareness campaigns about prevention and symptoms
Resource allocation for affected regions.

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• Dr Naresh Purohit, MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist,  Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)Dr.  Purohit is also Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies For Kidney Care.(Epidemiologist and Advisor- National. Communicable Disease Control Programme)