Chandipura Virus Symptoms & Precautions

 Chandipura Virus

Chandipura virus, aka Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV), is an RNA virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the rabies virus.


It was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura, a village in Maharashtra.

The virus primarily affects children and has been associated with outbreaks of acute encephalitis in India.

Encephalitis is inflammation of the active tissues of the brain caused by an infection or an autoimmune response.
The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which can lead to headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, mental confusion and seizures.

This disease occurs by the sting of a vector-infected sand-fly and it mainly affects children aged 9 months - 14 years. 


Chandipura virus is a serious pathogen with a rapid onset of severe symptoms, primarily affecting children in certain regions. 

However, this disease is not contagious.

Due to the lack of specific antiviral treatments, early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial.


SYMPTOMS OF CHANDIPURA VIRUS INFECTION-


The symptoms of Chandipura virus infection can progress rapidly and include:

  • Fever: Sudden onset of high fever.
  • Headache: Severe headaches are common.
  • Vomiting: Frequent vomiting can occur.
  • Convulsions: Seizures or convulsions are a prominent symptom.
  • Altered mental status: Confusion, irritability, and changes in consciousness.


HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

  • Chandipura virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies (genus Phlebotomus). 
  • The exact mechanisms of transmission are not fully understood.
  • Vector-borne transmission: The primary mode of transmission is through sand-fly bites.
  • Animal reservoirs: Certain animal species may act as reservoirs for the virus, though this is still under investigation.
  • Environmental factors: Outbreaks have been linked to specific environmental conditions that favour the breeding of sandflies.


TREATMENT

There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus infection. 

Management primarily involves supportive care to relieve symptoms and prevent complications:

  • Hospitalization: Patients with severe symptoms, especially children, often require hospitalization.
  • Hydration: Ensuring proper hydration is crucial, especially if vomiting is severe.
  • Antipyretics: Medications to reduce fever.
  • Anticonvulsants: Used to manage seizures.
  • Intensive Care: In cases of severe neurological symptoms, intensive care may be necessary to manage respiratory and neurological complications.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Preventive measures are focused on controlling the sand-fly population and minimizing human exposure.

  • Insect Repellents: Use of insect repellents to reduce the risk of sandfly bites.
  • Protective Clothing: Wearing long-sleeved clothing and using bed nets to avoid bites.
  • Environmental Control: Reducing sandfly habitats through environmental management and insecticide spraying.
  • Public Health Awareness: Educating communities in affected areas about the risks and preventive measures for Chandipura virus.

Prevention is always better than Cure..
Stay Safe

Reference
https://www.indiatoday.in/health/story/chandipura-virus-outbreak-gujarat-symptoms-causes-prevention-treatment-the-deadly-infection-2567916-2024-07-17

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