Debosmita Ghosh • 24 Jul 2024
Chandipura Virus Symptoms: Outbreak Leads To Increase In Death Toll, Signs To Watchout For
Chandipura Virus Outbreak Leads To Increase In Death Toll
Chandipura virus outbreak has led to the death of 32 people, most of them being children and teenagers. According to reports, more than 80 people in Gujarat have been infected. Cases of Chandipura virus have also been reported in the neighbouring states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
The virus was first identified in 1965 in Maharashtra and has been linked to various outbreaks of encephalitic illness in the country. There was a major outbreak in 2003 in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra which led to 183 deaths among 329 affected children. However, this is the worst outbreak in 20 years.
Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a member of Rhabdoviridae and has caused outbreaks in rural areas of India. The virus is transmitted by sandflies, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. It can also be transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks or less often other insects. They can also be transmitted by mosquitos and ticks.
According to a report in TOI, in 2003-2004 similar outbreaks in Central India witnessed case fatality rates ranging from 56-75 per cent. Speaking to TOI, Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) Chief Dr Vasant Khalatkar said, “Diagnosing CHPV can be challenging as it’s not routinely included in encephalitis syndrome screenings.”
Health departments of the affected states have issued advisories and directed their staff to strengthen comprehensive epidemiological, environmental, and entomological surveillance and studies. Also, officials say they are identifying villages and areas with sandflies as sensitive and conducting house-to-house insecticide spraying.
Chandipura Virus (CHPV) infestation has symptoms that are similar to encephalitis and can be fatal. Encephalitis is the inflammation of the tissues of the brain which is caused by an infection or an autoimmune response. The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which can lead to headaches, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, mental confusion and seizures. Encephalitis can sometimes lead to death.
Other symptoms of the condition are:
- Fever
- Convulsions
- Vomiting and nausea
- Neurological deficits
- Signs of meningeal irritation
- Altered mental state
- Diarrhoea.
Preventive measures of Chandipura Virus
Preventive measures include reducing exposure to sandfly bites and controlling sandflies. Here, take a look at some preventive measures.
- Environmental Control: Reduce sandfly breeding sites by getting rid of stagnant water and keeping your surroundings clean.
- Insect Repellents: Use DEET-based or other effective insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing.
- Insecticide-Treated Nets: Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets, especially in areas that have a high number of sandflies.
- Indoor Protection: Use window screens and door screens and keep doors and windows closed to prevent sandflies from entering homes.
- Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks to reduce skin exposure.