The Chandipura virus (CHPV) belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the rabies virus. It primarily affects children and teenagers under the age of 15. Symptoms usually appear rapidly after infection and can start with fever and headache, potentially progressing to encephalitis—swelling of the brain—leading to convulsions, seizures, coma, and sometimes death. This poorly understood disease has only been transmitted from insects to humans in India, infecting over 80 people in the western state of Gujarat. Cases have also been reported in neighboring states such as Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans by sandflies, particularly Phlebotomus papatasi, though mosquitoes and ticks have also been known to carry it.
The Chandipura virus was first identified in 1965 in the village of Chandipura in Maharashtra, India, after being isolated from the blood samples of two patients suffering from febrile illnesses. It is believed to have originated in India and has caused several outbreaks, primarily affecting public health in India, especially among children.
As of July 31, 2024, there have been 148 reported cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), with 140 cases originating from 24 districts in Gujarat, four from Madhya Pradesh, three from Rajasthan, and one from Maharashtra. Unfortunately, 59 individuals have succumbed to the illness, with the Chandipura virus confirmed in 51 of these cases. Since July 19, 2024, a declining trend in the daily number of newly reported AES cases has been observed.
In response to the outbreak, the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) has been dispatched to Gujarat to assist in implementing public health measures and conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation. Additionally, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) are issuing a joint advisory to provide guidance to neighboring states reporting AES cases.
Since early June 2024, AES cases have emerged in Gujarat, particularly affecting children under the age of 15. As of July 31, 2024, there have been 148 reported cases, with the majority (140) in Gujarat, four in Madhya Pradesh, three in Rajasthan, and one in Maharashtra. Tragically, 59 individuals have died, with 51 cases confirmed to be caused by the Chandipura virus.
A review of the situation was conducted today by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), the Director of the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The review included representatives from the National Health Mission (NHM) of Madhya Pradesh, Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) units, regional offices of Health and Family Welfare from Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, as well as NJORT members from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), NCDC, and faculty from the NCVBDC
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Since July 19, 2024, there has been a noticeable decline in the daily number of new AES cases reported. In response, Gujarat has implemented various public health measures, including insecticidal spraying for vector control, public awareness campaigns, training and sensitization of medical personnel, and the prompt referral of cases to designated healthcare facilities.
The NJORT has been deployed to support the Gujarat State Government in executing public health interventions and conducting a thorough epidemiological investigation. Additionally, a joint advisory from the NCDC and NCVBDC is being issued to provide guidance to neighboring states reporting AES cases.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)