Chandipura Virus: Symptoms, Causes and Prevention Guide

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a very rare but extremely lethal virus that primarily attacks children and can cause Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) by brain swelling. Though this virus is rare in occurrence, it is highly lethal in the event of severe infections, hence the importance of early diagnosis.

This is everything you should know about the Chandipura virus.

It is a condition which is classified as belonging to the virus family of Rhabdoviridae and the genus of Vesiculovirus. This virus falls under the family of viruses known as Rhabdoviridae and the genus of Vesiculovirus. This virus is quite similar to rabies virus in many ways. This virus was discovered in the year 1965 in the location of Chandipura,

The disease caused by this virus is known as the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome. It comes about very fast, particularly in individuals less than 15 years old.

The transfer is usually achieved via the bite of infected females of sandflies of the genus Phlebotomus. It has been scientifically proven that other insects, like mosquitoes and ticks, may serve as vectors for the infection by the virus, but the primary means of spread is the sandfly bite.

Chandipura virus does not have the capacity to transfer itself directly from one individual to another, unlike other viruses.

Infections become more frequent in the monsoon months owing to the increased numbers of sand flies.

The children who are below the age of 15 years, especially from the age groups of 9 to 14 years are very vulnerable because of their immature nervous and immune systems. These are the people who are more prone to suffer from brain swelling.

The people residing in the rural areas where they live in the mud houses and poor sanitary conditions along with sand flies pose yet another risk group.

The disease typically strikes in a sudden and dramatic manner, and can progress to serious illness within 24 to 48 hours.

High fever

Severe headache

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Muscle pain

Extreme weakness

Seizures

Confusion

Irritability

Excessiveness in sleep

Insufficient consciousness

Coma

In case the child is showing these symptoms,

Chandipura virus outbreak cases have been primarily reported from western and central parts of India.

The following states are where the virus was discovered:

Outbreaks of the Chandipura virus have mostly occurred in western and central India.

Gujarat

Maharashtra

Rajasthan

Andhra Pradesh

It is common for health officials to step up frequently during monsoons in these areas.

At present there is no vaccine or any antiviral drug that can be used to treat Chandipura virus.

Treatment includes the following:

Management of cerebral swelling

Seizure management

Administration of intravenous fluids

Respiratory support when necessary

Close monitoring

Treatment and early detection greatly boost the likelihood of survival.

There is no vaccine for the disease, the approach used in preventing the infection is protecting oneself against the bite of the insects.

Applying insect repellents.

Wearing long-sleeved clothing, particularly at night.

Using insecticide mosquitos or sand-fly nets when sleeping.

Maintaining cleanliness.

Removing stagnant water.

Getting prompt medical attention if a child suffers from fever suddenly or has any nervous disorders.

Though very rare, the Chandipura virus is a great threat to public health due to its ability to lead to severe inflammation of the brain within a short period of time, especially in young children. Due to the fact that there is no vaccine or cure for it, the only prevention measures include early detection of symptoms and treatment and avoiding bites from the sandflies.

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