The recent news from Gujarat is alarming: six children have died from suspected Chandipura virus infection since July 10th. This virus primarily affects children, making it particularly deadly and concerning.
Understanding the Chandipura Virus
The Chandipura virus, an RNA virus, was first reported in a village named Chandipura in Gujarat, from which it gets its name. This virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and is primarily transmitted through several species of sand flies and mosquitoes, notably the Aedes mosquito, which is also a carrier of dengue fever.
The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and is transmitted to humans and other vertebrates through bites. Once in the human body, the infection can reach the central nervous system, potentially leading to encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain's active tissues. This progression makes the virus extremely dangerous.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the Chandipura virus include:
- Fever
- Body ache
- Headache
- Respiratory distress
- Bleeding tendencies
- Anemia
The infection progresses rapidly, especially after encephalitis, leading to a high mortality rate within 24 to 48 hours of hospitalization. Children below 15 years of age are particularly susceptible.
Treatment
Currently, there is no specific therapy or vaccine available for the Chandipura virus. Treatment is symptomatic, focusing on alleviating symptoms like fever, headache, and respiratory distress as they arise.
The Chandipura virus was first isolated in 1965 during an investigation of dengue and chikungunya outbreaks in Maharashtra. Significant outbreaks have occurred since then, notably in 2003-2004 in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, resulting in around 300 child deaths. The virus is largely endemic to central India, including states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.
Topic of Discussion: Chandipura Virus in Gujarat
The Chandipura Virus is raising significant concerns across various districts in Gujarat. Out of the 12 suspected cases detected in the state, six children have unfortunately died. This relatively lesser-known virus belongs to the genus Vesiculovirus in the family Rhabdoviridae and is transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. The term "Rhabdovirus" is derived from the Greek word "rhabdos," meaning rod-shaped, due to the bullet-like shape of the virus.
Impact and Symptoms
The Chandipura Virus primarily affects children aged 9 months to 14 years. It manifests through symptoms such as fever, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to coma and death. The primary cause of death among affected patients is acute encephalitis, which is the inflammation of active brain tissues.
History and Outbreaks
The virus was first identified in the Chandipura district of Maharashtra, giving it its name. Significant outbreaks occurred in Central India in 2003 and 2004, leading to 322 child deaths. Of these, 183 were in Andhra Pradesh, 115 in Maharashtra, and 24 in Gujarat. The fatality rates ranged from 56% to 75%, with most deaths occurring within 24 hours of symptom onset.
Prevention and Control
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for the Chandipura Virus. Prevention focuses on vector control, maintaining hygiene, early medical intervention, and symptomatic care