Alarming rise in Chandipura virus deaths in Gujarat. Experts warn of catastrophic underreporting across India
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 04, 2024 3 months, 1 week, 3 days, 4 hours, 2 minutes ago
Medical News: Official Death Toll and Case Numbers in Gujarat
Gujarat state officials have updated the official toll of deaths caused by the Chandipura virus to 66, with 153 lab-confirmed cases reported as of Saturday.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/chandipura-virus-outbreak-update-cases-rise-to-153-death-toll-at-66/articleshow/112256647.cms
Alarming rise in Chandipura virus deaths in Gujarat. Experts warn of catastrophic
underreporting across India
This alarming situation has health experts on edge as the virus continues to spread rapidly.
Unreported and Undiagnosed Cases: A Growing Concern
Doctors and local experts are warning that the actual figures could be six to seven times higher. Many cases are not reported or diagnosed, and numerous unexplained deaths in rural villages are not being tested. The number of unexplained Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) infections is growing exponentially, not just in Gujarat but across at least 11 other states in India.
Spread Beyond Gujarat: A Nationwide Issue
Besides Gujarat, the Chandipura virus is believed to be severely affecting Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and is also present in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. In Gujarat, the virus has reached almost every district, with a significant number of AES cases reported from districts such as Porbandar, Patan, and Gir Somnath.
Health Department's Response and Current Situation
"As of Saturday, the state hospitals have 19 patients, whereas 68 patients have been discharged after satisfactory recovery. The virus primarily targets the pediatric age group," said a state health department official.
Rajasthan Detects First Case: A Worrying Development
The rapid spread of the Chandipura virus has alarmed health experts nationwide. Rajasthan detected its first case shortly after Gujarat reported its initial 51 cases. The Rajasthan Medical and Health Department issued an advisory for precautions. The virus primarily affects children under 15, causing sudden high fever, altered sensorium, and seizures, progressing to coma and death without prompt treatment.
A three-year-old boy from Dungarpur tested positive for the Chandipura virus, as confirmed by the National Institute of Virology Pune. This marks the first acknowledged case in the state, prompting increased surveillance in border areas following an alert from Gujarat.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/deadly-chandipura-virus-reaches-rajasthan-after-cases-rise-to-51-in-gujarat-heres-what-you-need-to-know/articleshow/112163983.cms
Surge in A
cute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) Cases
In the past two months, cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) among children have been increasing at alarming rates across India. It is strongly believed that the Chandipura virus is behind this rise in AES. The situation has prompted a joint meeting, and a national team has been deployed to assist Gujarat's response and investigation efforts.
Downplaying the Seriousness: Allegations Against Officials
It is believed that state and federal health and government officials are downplaying the seriousness of the outbreak and concealing the actual figures. This lack of transparency is hindering efforts to control the spread of the virus effectively.
During weekly briefings to journalist from mainstream media and
Medical News outlets, state and federal health officials are often giving conflicting figures and in many cases are not divulging proper statistical data.
Understanding Chandipura Virus: Symptoms and Transmission
Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV) is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family associated with an encephalitic illness known as Chandipura encephalitis or Chandipura viral encephalitis in humans. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, convulsions, and unconsciousness, rapidly progressing to coma and death in severe cases. The virus, spread by vectors like mosquitoes, sand flies and ticks, primarily affects children under 15 during the monsoon season.
No Specific Treatment or Vaccine
There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Chandipura virus infection. Management focuses on supportive care and prevention measures, such as mosquito control. The urgent need for effective prevention and control measures is critical to curb the spread of this deadly virus.
Conclusion
The Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat and its spread to other states in India is a grave concern. With underreporting and undiagnosed cases likely causing a significant underestimation of the actual impact, the situation demands immediate and transparent action from health authorities. Public awareness, increased surveillance, and robust preventive measures are essential to combat this growing health crisis.
For the latest updates on this developing situation in India, stay tuned to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/india-concealing-extent-of-chandipura-virus-outbreak-virus-now-also-found-in-rajasthan-with-4-children-dead
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/world-needs-to-focus-on-chandipura-virus-outbreak-in-india-as-spread-escalates-and-death-toll-reaches-52
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/chandipura-virus-outbreak-escalating-in-india-cases-now-in-three-states-with-gujerat-reporting-84-cases-and-32-deaths
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/chandipura-vesiculovirus-outbreak-emerges-in-gujerat-india-killing-4-hospitalizing-2-more-cases-expected
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