Gujarat has reported 13 new suspected cases of Chandipura virus and 5 fatalities, taking the total number of confirmed and suspected infections to 84 and the death toll to 32, according to the state health department.
The Chandipura virus has a high fatality rate of 56-75%, similar to previous outbreaks in Central India in 2003-2004. The virus was first identified in India in 1965 and has caused outbreaks in several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Gujarat.
Diagnosing Chandipura virus can be challenging as it is not routinely included in encephalitis syndrome screenings, according to Dr. Vasant Khalatkar, Chief of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.
The disease primarily affects children under 15 years of age and is a significant public health concern due to its potential for severe outcomes. The virus is transmitted through sandflies, particularly Phlebotomus species, and is endemic in parts of India, with sporadic outbreaks reported during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
Symptoms of Chandipura virus disease include high fever, headache, convulsions, and altered sensorium, which can progress rapidly to neurological complications such as seizures, coma, and even death. Early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention are crucial to prevent severe outcomes.
To stay safe from Chandipura virus, residents in endemic areas should take preventive measures to avoid sandfly bites, such as using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using bed nets treated with insecticides. Reducing outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when sandflies are most active, can also minimize exposure. Community-wide efforts such as insecticide spraying to control sandfly populations and improving awareness about symptoms for early medical intervention are also critical in preventing the spread of the virus.
Since early June 2024, a total of 78 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) have been reported in children under 15 years of age in Gujarat, with 75 cases from 21 districts/corporations in Gujarat, 2 from Rajasthan, and 1 from Madhya Pradesh. Of these, 28 cases have resulted in death. Nine cases have been confirmed positive for Chandipura Virus (CHPV) at NIV Pune, with all 9 CHPV-positive cases and 5 associated deaths reported from Gujarat.
