Chandipura Virus: Kids in this Indian state die of suspected Chandipura virus infection: Know what it is |

Four kids have succumbed to Chandipura virus, according to officials at the civil hospital at Himmatnagar, Gujarat. Of the four children who have died, one was from Sabarkantha district and two were from neighbouring Aravalli district. The fourth child hailed from Rajasthan.
Two other kids, also from Rajasthan, are undergoing treatment in the same hospital.
Blood samples of all six kids have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for confirmation and their results are awaited, Sabarkantha Chief District Health Officer Raj Sutariya said.

What is the Chandipura virus?

Chandipura virus is a relatively lesser-known virus that belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae, genus Vesiculovirus. The virus was first identified in 1965 during an outbreak in Chandipura village in Maharashtra, India, hence its name. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have been reported in various parts of India, as well as in other countries in Asia and Africa.

Chandipura virus primarily affects children, causing symptoms such as fever, convulsions, altered sensorium, and in severe cases, coma and death.
The mortality rate can be high, especially in younger age groups.
It has been associated with outbreaks of encephalitis, a severe inflammation of the brain. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected sandflies, particularly those of the species Phlebotomus papatasi and Sergentomyia species, which act as vectors.

How to stay safe?

Efforts to control Chandipura virus outbreaks typically focus on vector control measures, such as insecticide spraying to reduce sandfly populations, and public health education to promote protective measures like using bed nets and wearing protective clothing. There is no specific antiviral treatment available for Chandipura virus infection, so supportive care remains the mainstay of management, including treating symptoms and preventing complications.

(With inputs from PTI)