Chandipura virus outbreak escalating in India. Cases now in three states with Gujerat reporting 84 cases and 32 deaths
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 22, 2024 1 month, 2 weeks, 2 days, 15 hours, 6 minutes ago
Medical News: The Chandipura virus, a lesser-known yet deadly pathogen, is making headlines once again as it escalates across three Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. With 84 confirmed cases and 32 deaths reported in Gujarat alone, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. This news report delves into the details of the outbreak, its connection with Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), and the measures being taken to combat its spread.
Chandipura virus outbreak escalating in India. Cases now in three states with Gujerat reporting
84 cases and 32 deaths
What is Chandipura Virus?
Chandipura virus was first identified in India in 1965 in Maharashtra's Nagpur district. It is named after the village where it was discovered and belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, known for causing encephalitic illnesses. The virus is primarily transmitted through the bites of sandflies, particularly the Phlebotomus species, which are abundant during the monsoon season. The virus is able to trigger encephalitic illness in those that are infected.
The Recent Outbreak: A Surge in Cases
Thailand
Medical News reported about the outbreak of Chandipura virus in Gujerat on the 14th of July 2024 when 4 were killed and 2 were hospitalized.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/chandipura-vesiculovirus-outbreak-emerges-in-gujerat-india-killing-4-hospitalizing-2-more-cases-expected
Since then, the number of cases has increased with Gujerat alone reporting 32 deaths.
In addition, 75 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has been found across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh since late June 2024 and are possibly linked to the Chandipura virus.
Infection rates and death rates could possibly be much higher as Indian health authorities have a history of concealing and downplaying infection rates as what they have done in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understanding Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)
AES is characterized by inflammation of the brain, usually due to an infection, leading to symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, vomiting, altered mental state, convulsions, and neurological deficits. AES can be caused by various infectious agents, including viruses like Chandipura.
The Link Between AES and Chandipura Virus
According to scientist, Chandipura virus is often considered a differential diagnosis in children presenting with AES. However, diagnosing the virus remains challenging due to limited testing capabilities. A study by the Indian Academy of Sciences during an earlier outbreak found that Chandipura virus RNA was present in nine out of 20 acute-phase serum samples from children with AES.
Maharashtra on High Alert
Fo
llowing the Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat, Maharashtra's public health department issued an alert, urging officials to strengthen epidemiological, environmental, and entomological surveillance. Dr Radhakishan Pawar, heading the vector-borne disease control program, emphasized the need for immediate precautions to prevent the virus's spread to Maharashtra.
Preventive Measures in Place
To combat the outbreak, officials are directed to:
-Conduct comprehensive surveillance and studies.
-Identify and spray insecticides in villages with high sandfly populations.
-Ensure cleanliness and proper waste disposal to reduce sandfly breeding grounds.
-Implement regular surveys and insecticide spraying in sensitive areas.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Chandipura virus infection typically presents with rapid onset of fever, headache, convulsions, and altered mental state, progressing to severe neurological complications such as seizures, coma, and even death. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical symptoms and laboratory tests, which often include screening for other encephalitis-causing viruses.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5094110/
Challenges in Managing the Outbreak
Diagnosing Chandipura virus is challenging due to the overlap in symptoms with other encephalitis-causing viruses like Japanese encephalitis and dengue. The high fatality rate, particularly among children under 15, underscores the need for prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Public Health Advisory
The advisory from various Indian health department recommends:
-Immediate referral of children with symptoms to the nearest healthcare facilities.
-Testing for multiple encephalitis-causing viruses, including Chandipura, to ensure a definite diagnosis.
-Prompt entry of patient data into the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal.
-Ensuring an adequate stock of medicines and training healthcare providers in the treatment of encephalitis.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Chandipura virus has a history of causing deadly outbreaks in India. In 2003-2004, Central India saw fatality rates of 56-75% among infected children. The virus’s presence in sandflies highlights its potential for widespread distribution, although human cases outside India have not been reported.
Conclusion
The Chandipura virus outbreak in India is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by vector-borne diseases. With the virus now spreading across three states, it is crucial to enhance surveillance, diagnostic capabilities, and public awareness to mitigate the impact of this deadly pathogen. The collaboration between health officials, scientists, and the public will be vital in controlling the outbreak and preventing further loss of life.
For more updates on the Chandipura Virus outbreak in India, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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