Gandhinagar: The Chandipura virus, first identified in 1965, is currently causing concern in North Gujarat. This viral infection, primarily affecting children aged 9 months to 14 years, typically arises during the rainy season. The state health minister, Rushikesh Patel, provided updates on the situation yesterday and ongoing measures to combat the disease.

Overview of Chandipura Virus

• Historical Context: Chandipura virus is not a new virus; the first case was reported in 1965.
• Seasonal Occurrence: This disease is typically observed during the rainy season.
• Transmission: It is transmitted by the bite of a vector-infected sandfly.

Affected Population

• Age Group: The virus predominantly affects children aged between 9 months and 14 years.
• Geographical Impact: It is mainly seen in rural areas.

Current Situation in Gujarat

• Early Symptoms: High-grade fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and convulsions in children.
• Current Cases: So far, 12 cases have been reported in Gujarat, with 6 patients currently under treatment.
• Testing: Samples are sent to Pune for testing, which takes 12 to 15 days for results.
• Deaths: The state has reported 6 suspected deaths due to the virus, pending confirmation from Pune.

Government Response and Surveillance

• Intensive Surveillance: The state health department has screened 18,646 individuals in 4,487 households.
• Insecticide Spraying: A total of 2,093 houses have been sprayed with insecticides to control sandfly populations.

Transmission and Incubation

• Vectors: The primary vectors are mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies.
• Incubation Period: Typically ranges from 24 to 48 hours.

Symptoms

• Severe Symptoms: High fever, headache, vomiting, seizures, and encephalitis, which can lead to neurological complications such as confusion, altered consciousness, and coma.

Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges

• Diagnostic Challenges: Diagnosis requires specialized laboratory tests such as RT-PCR and virus isolation techniques, which are not always available in rural areas.
• Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment. Management focuses on supportive care, including antipyretics, anticonvulsants, and maintaining hydration.

Prevention Measures

• Control Measures: Insecticide spraying and improved sanitation to reduce breeding sites.
• Personal Protection: Use of insect repellents, bed nets, and protective clothing.
• Ongoing Research: Research is ongoing to understand the virus’s genetics, pathogenesis, and interaction with the human immune system, with the long-term goal of developing a vaccine. DeshGujarat

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