Source- This post on the Chandipura virus (CHPV) has been created based on the article “6 children die of suspected Chandipura virus infection in Gujarat: What is the disease, and what are its symptoms?” published in “The Indian Express” on 17 July 2024.
Why in the news?
The Gujarat government announced that six children have died of suspected Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection since July 10, with a total of 12 suspected cases reported.
About Chandipura virus (CHPV)
1. CHPV belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes the virus-causing rabies.
2. Vectors: Transmitted by several species of sandflies (Phlebotomine sandflies, Phlebotomus papatasi) and mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti).
3. Transmission: The virus resides in the salivary glands of insects and is transmitted through bites to humans and other vertebrates.
4. Impact: The infection can reach the central nervous system, causing encephalitis (inflammation of brain tissues).
5. Symptoms of CHPV Infection:
i) Flu-like symptoms such as acute fever, body aches, and headache. It may lead to altered sensorium, seizures, and encephalitis. Additional Symptoms include respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, and anaemia.
ii) It can lead to mortality within 24-48 hours of hospitalization.
iii) It primarily affects children below 15 years.
6. Management: Symptomatic management is crucial as there is no specific antiretroviral therapy or vaccine available. Rapid progression makes symptom management challenging.
Worst Affected Regions in India
i) Chandipura virus (CHPV) was first isolated in 1965 during a dengue/chikungunya outbreak in Maharashtra.
ii) Major outbreaks in 2003-04 in Maharashtra, northern Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh resulted in over 300 child deaths, with Gujarat reporting a 78% case fatality rate (CFR) in 2004 and Andhra Pradesh 55% in 2003.
iii) The virus is endemic to central India, where CHPV-spreading sandflies and mosquitoes are prevalent.
Contributing Factors to Outbreaks
i) Geographic and Seasonal Factors: Outbreaks often occur in rural, tribal, and peripheral areas, correlated with the prevalence of sandflies. Outbreaks are more frequent during the monsoon season.
ii) Environmental Factors: The use of cow dung paint in kutcha houses attracts sandflies.
Changes in Disease Pattern
i) Sandflies have been found at higher altitudes than usual.New symptoms, such as brain haemorrhages, have been observed.
ii) New centres for outbreaks have been identified in Gujarat, including tribal areas like Pavagadh, Khedbrahma, and Godhra.
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