New Delhi: Six children have died from suspected Chandipura virus in Gujarat in the past five days, with the cumulative number of suspected cases jumping to 12, noted Health Minister Rushikesh Patel in a statement released on Monday. According to reports, the blood samples of all six children were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for testing that confirmed the virus. But six deaths in just 5 days is quite concerning, therefore let’s understand about the virus and how it is caused.
What is the Chandipura Virus?
Chandipura virus is a rare type of virus that is part of the Rhabdoviridae, genus Vesiculovirus family. The virus was first identified in 1965 in the blood of two adults with a febrile disease in a Village in Nagpur Colony, Maharashtra State India. According to the Lancet data, the likely vector of the Chandipura virus is the female phlebotomine sandfly.
In the 2003 outbreak, Chandipura virus RNA was found in PCR samples of sandflies gathered around the house of a patient with encephalitis. As per researchers of Lancet, they describe acute encephalitis in north Andhra Pradesh and central-eastern Maharastra, in southern India. The virus commonly emerges in the late monsoon season and the disease.
Symptoms of Chandipura virus
The patients infected with the virus often complain of abdominal pains and vomiting. Additionally, the virus shows symptoms like high fever and diarrhoea in some serious patients. Scientists at the National Institute of Virology, Pune showed the vectorial capability of mosquitoes to transmit the Chandipura virus. As per studies, the virus is transmitted through an infected mosquito bite, most likely Aedes aegypti. Moreover, the virus has been associated with encephalitis, a severe brain inflammation.
Preventive measures to take
Reports say, there is no specific antiviral treatment available for Chandipura virus infection, but taking simple steps at home can help prevent the virus from spreading. Some of them may include:
Using insecticide spraying to reduce sandflies around you
Spread awareness
Use mosquito nets
Wear protective clothing
Gujarat reported six deaths of children in just five days due to the suspected Chandipura virus. But six deaths in just 5 days is quite concerning, therefore what is the virus and how it is caused? Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
