The scare around Chandipura virus- named after the village in India’s Maharashtra from where it was identified first- is growing. The virus has claimed the lives of 15 kids in Gujarat in just few days. The number of persons infected with this virus has gone up to 29.
“Children’s immune systems are less developed than adults’, thus they might not be able to fight off the virus as well,” says Dr Shreya Dubey – Consultant – Neonatology & Paediatrics, CK Birla hospital Gurgaon and blames misinterpretation of the symptoms as one of the main reasons for the fatal outcome of the infection in kids.
“The virus can induce encephalitis, or brain inflammation, which swiftly advances to severe neurological symptoms,” she says and adds that since the Chandipura virus has no specific antiviral treatment, supportive care is essential but frequently insufficient in severe cases.
Be careful of the sandfliesSandflies, especially the Phlebotomus papatasi species, act as vectors for Chandipura virus; these sandflies transfer the virus from an infected host to human beings.
“Avoid sandfly bites, insect repellent should be applied to exposed skin, long sleeves should be worn, and bed nets should be used when sleeping, especially in locations where sandflies are common, in order to lower the risk of infection,” recommends Dr. Dubey.
Chandipura virus infection: Early signs to knowThe symptoms of an infection with the Chandipura virus can develop quickly and come out of the blue. Important signs and symptoms consist of rapid development of high fever, common complaint from patients is a severe headache, frequent vomiting, convulsions and seizures, unconsciousness and neurological signs like agitation, confusion, and sleepiness.
Chandipura virus infection: How to stay safe?Remove standing water sources and clean vegetation surrounding habitations to decrease sandfly breeding grounds.
Inform locals about the habits of sandflies and the value of taking preventative action.
In case a child exhibits symptoms like vomiting, headache, or elevated temperature, promptly seek medical attention.
Pay attention to the treatment and prevention recommendations made by medical specialists.
“In order to prevent Chandipura virus infection, a licensed vaccination is imperative. A vaccine could protect susceptible groups, especially children, and drastically lower the prevalence of this fatal disease if it is developed and made widely available,” says Dr. Dubey.
“Children’s immune systems are less developed than adults’, thus they might not be able to fight off the virus as well,” says Dr Shreya Dubey – Consultant – Neonatology & Paediatrics, CK Birla hospital Gurgaon and blames misinterpretation of the symptoms as one of the main reasons for the fatal outcome of the infection in kids.
“The virus can induce encephalitis, or brain inflammation, which swiftly advances to severe neurological symptoms,” she says and adds that since the Chandipura virus has no specific antiviral treatment, supportive care is essential but frequently insufficient in severe cases.
Be careful of the sandfliesSandflies, especially the Phlebotomus papatasi species, act as vectors for Chandipura virus; these sandflies transfer the virus from an infected host to human beings.
“Avoid sandfly bites, insect repellent should be applied to exposed skin, long sleeves should be worn, and bed nets should be used when sleeping, especially in locations where sandflies are common, in order to lower the risk of infection,” recommends Dr. Dubey.
Chandipura virus infection: Early signs to knowThe symptoms of an infection with the Chandipura virus can develop quickly and come out of the blue. Important signs and symptoms consist of rapid development of high fever, common complaint from patients is a severe headache, frequent vomiting, convulsions and seizures, unconsciousness and neurological signs like agitation, confusion, and sleepiness.
Chandipura virus infection: How to stay safe?Remove standing water sources and clean vegetation surrounding habitations to decrease sandfly breeding grounds.
Inform locals about the habits of sandflies and the value of taking preventative action.
In case a child exhibits symptoms like vomiting, headache, or elevated temperature, promptly seek medical attention.
Pay attention to the treatment and prevention recommendations made by medical specialists.
“In order to prevent Chandipura virus infection, a licensed vaccination is imperative. A vaccine could protect susceptible groups, especially children, and drastically lower the prevalence of this fatal disease if it is developed and made widely available,” says Dr. Dubey.
