Gujarat Chandipura Virus

In the past five days, six children have tragically lost their lives due to suspected Chandipura virus infection in Gujarat’s Aravalli and Sabarkantha districts. As of Monday, a total of 12 children have been infected across the state.

Gujarat Chandipura Virus Name

The Chandipura virus belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family. It is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, and flu-like symptoms. The virus can also cause severe encephalitis (brain inflammation), leading to brain swelling and potentially fatal consequences. The Gujarat Health Department has taken immediate action, dispatching special teams to the affected areas and educating children and families on preventive measures. 

Health officials are advising the use of insecticides, maintaining cleanliness, and using mosquito nets to prevent mosquito and fly bites.
Infected children are receiving treatment in various hospitals, with medical teams closely monitoring their condition. The Health Department has activated emergency services and provided additional resources to meet all medical needs.

Gujarat Chandipura Virus Overview

The Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an emerging and deadly viral pathogen that has caused outbreaks of severe encephalitis in central India. Some key points about the Gujarat Chandipura virus outbreak:

• The Chandipura virus was first discovered in 1965 in the Chandipura region of Maharashtra, India. It is classified as a member of the Vesiculovirus genus within the Rhabdoviridae family.
• As a Rhabdovirus, the Chandipura virus has a bullet-shaped structure and is composed of a single-stranded negative-sense RNA genome.
• The virus is primarily transmitted by sandflies and mosquitoes, and can also infect ticks. It is considered an arbovirus, meaning it is transmitted by arthropod vectors.
• Outbreaks of Chandipura virus encephalitis have been reported in several states in central India, including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and now Gujarat. The 2003-2004 outbreaks resulted in over 300 child deaths.
• In the current 2024 outbreak in Gujarat, six children have died from suspected Chandipura virus infection, with two more children currently receiving treatment. The virus causes a sudden onset of high fever, seizures, vomiting, and rapid neurological deterioration leading to death within 24-72 hours in many cases.
• There is no specific antiviral treatment available, and prevention relies on controlling the sandfly and mosquito vectors as well as raising awareness about the disease. Efforts are underway to develop effective vaccines and treatments for this emerging public health threat.

Chandipura Virus Symptoms

The Chandipura virus is a rare and dangerous pathogen that can cause severe illness, particularly in children. Here are the key details about the symptoms of Chandipura virus infection:

• Sudden Onset of Symptoms: The symptoms of Chandipura virus infection appear suddenly and can progress rapidly.
• High Fever: One of the most frequent early symptoms is a sudden onset of high fever.
• Severe Headache: Patients frequently report experiencing severe headaches.
• Vomiting: Another early warning sign is frequent vomiting.
• Convulsions and Seizures: Children may have convulsions and seizures in extreme cases.
• Unconsciousness: As the condition worsens, affected people may become unconscious.
• Neurological Symptoms: These can include drowsiness, agitation, and confusion.
• Rapid Progression: Studies indicate that symptoms can escalate quickly, leading to neurologic impairment and potentially lethal autoimmune encephalitis within the first 24 hours of onset.
• High Fatality Rates: Outbreaks of Chandipura virus have historically shown high case fatality rates ranging from 56% to 75%.

Chandipura Virus Transmission

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is primarily transmitted by vector-borne means, specifically by sandflies of the genus Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia. The virus has been isolated from these sandfly species in India and Africa during arbovirus investigations.Factors influencing CHPV transmission include:

• Environmental conditions: CHPV transmission is more common in rural areas. Virus isolation from sandflies has been done during the transmission season, suggesting their probable role in CHPV transmission.
• Population density: CHPV mainly affects children aged 9 months to 14 years. An outbreak in 2003 in central India affected children with a high case fatality rate.

Risk factors for CHPV infection include:

• Residing in rural areas where sandflies are prevalent
• Being a child between 9 months and 14 years old
• Being bitten by a CHPV-infected sandfly

Human-to-human transmission does not occur. CHPV is not a new virus, with the first case registered in Maharashtra, India in 1965. Cases are reported annually in certain districts of India.

Prevention and Control of Chandipura Virus

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an emerging tropical pathogen that primarily affects children, causing severe encephalitis with high mortality rates. To prevent and control the spread of this deadly virus, a multi-pronged approach is necessary:

Vector Control

• Reduce sandfly populations through insecticide spraying and environmental management
• Remove potential sandfly breeding grounds like heaps of trash, stagnant water, and decomposing organic waste
• Regularly clean and disinfect the surroundings near homes to eliminate sandfly habitats

Personal Protective Measures

• Use insecticide-treated bed nets, especially in areas where sandflies are prevalent
• Wear protective clothing to avoid sandfly bites

Early Detection and Treatment

• Seek prompt medical attention if a child exhibits symptoms like high fever, severe headache, vomiting, convulsions, or unconsciousness
• Supportive care remains the mainstay of management, including treating symptoms and preventing complications

Vaccine Development

• A licensed vaccine is urgently needed to prevent CHPV infection and protect vulnerable populations, especially children
• Efforts should be made to develop and make widely available an effective vaccine against this deadly virus

Public Health Education

• Increase awareness about CHPV, its symptoms, and preventive measures to help manage and control its spread
• Educate the public on the importance of vector control and personal protective measures

By implementing these prevention and control strategies, we can effectively combat the threat posed by the Chandipura virus and protect children from this emerging tropical disease.

Treatment of Chandipura Virus

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment available for Chandipura virus infection. Management focuses on supportive care and prevention measures:

Supportive Care

• Early detection and hospitalization are crucial
• Symptomatic care to prevent complications and fatalities
• Management of hyperpyrexia (high fever) with paracetamol or diclofenac

Prevention Measures

• Vector control through insecticides and pesticides to reduce sandfly populations
• Public health education to promote protective measures like using bed nets and wearing full-sleeved clothing
• Widespread dusting operations in affected areas

While two candidate vaccines (a recombinant vaccine and a killed vaccine) and siRNAs targeting viral proteins have been developed, they are still awaiting clinical trials. Ongoing research aims to better understand the precise mechanism of rapid disease progression and develop effective treatments.