NEW DELHI: The Chandipura virus, was first discovered in 1965 in a village named Chandipura in Maharashtra, and hence got its name from there. Recently it has resurfaced in Gujarat state whose recent outbreak in just few days has led to 15 deaths in the state.
Dr. Sri Ram Kaurav, MD, MY Hospital, Indore, explained to The New Indian that the Chandipura virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family. He said, “This virus is spread through Phlebotomine sandflies, prevalent in sand areas and Aedes mosquitoes also known as Tiger mosquitoes, which act as vectors.”
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Speaking of the symptoms he said, “The virus causes encephalitis, characterised by sudden onset of high fever, seizures, altered sensorium, diarrhea, and vomiting.”
In 2017, The World Health Organization (WHO) recognised the virus underscoring its threat. Currently, 29 patients have been reported to have contracted the virus in Gujarat.
Dr. Kumar Vivekanand, JR DMCH, Darbhanga, told The New Indian, “The virus primarily affects children under 15 and can result in rapid onset of encephalitis in them since they are more vulnerable due to their underdeveloped immunity and has 50% fatality rate since it spreads in 24 to 48 hours leading to death”
Kumar added, “At present, no vaccine or specific treatment is available, but supportive care can be provided through early diagnosis, temperature control, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and preventing secondary bacterial infections. Patients should be kept in the ICU for supervision.”
Over the lateral symptoms Kumar said, “The symptoms increase in severity, with impaired neurological function (e.g., difficulty speaking, loss of balance, vision changes). Managing brain inflammation is crucial to prevent fatalities, along with addressing meningeal irritation (evidenced by headaches, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and seizures).”
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Dr. Kaurav however emphasised that there is no definitive treatment available. However, he suggested supportive care as a primary treatment method through early diagnosis, and other methods like temperature control, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and preventing secondary bacterial infections.
For the preventive measures Dr. Kaurav suggested to combat the virus, including various methods like by destroying breeding sites of sandflies, wearing full-sleeve clothing, using mosquito nets while sleeping, usage of insecticide and avoiding areas rich in sandflies