What Is Chandipura Virus That Killed 4 Kids in Gujarat's Sabarkantha | EXPLAINED

Himatnagar: Four children in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district have died from a suspected Chandipura virus infection. Officials stated that two other children received treatment at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital in the same district. 

Among the four children who died, one was from Sabarkantha district, two were from the neighboring Aravalli district, and the fourth child was from Rajasthan. The two children currently receiving treatment at the same hospital are from Rajasthan.

Raj Sutariya, Chief District Health Officer of Sabarkantha, mentioned that blood samples from all six children have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for confirmation, and authorities are awaiting the results. 

To curb the spread of this viral infection, district authorities have dispatched teams to implement preventive measures, including dusting to kill sandflies in affected areas.

What Is Chandipura Virus?

Chandipura virus is a rare and potentially deadly pathogen that causes fever, flu-like symptoms, and acute encephalitis which is the inflammation of the brain. The virus is transmitted through vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies, and can lead to rapid progression of illness, coma, and even death. The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae.

What Are The Symptoms?

Studies suggest that symptoms are usually influenza-like, but neurologic impairment and a fatal auto -immune encephalitis may occur rapidly, which is from the first 24 hours of symptom onset. The case fatality rate in the existing outbreak has been between 56 and 75 percent.

• Sudden High Fever
• Headache
• Convulsions and Vomiting
• At Time Leading To Unconsciousness

Preventive Measures & Treatment of Chandipura

Efforts aimed at managing Chandipura virus outbreaks usually concentrate on controlling vectors through methods like insecticide spraying to diminish sandfly numbers. Public health education is also crucial to advocate protective measures such as using bed nets and wearing appropriate clothing. 

Since there is no specific antiviral treatment for Chandipura virus infection, supportive care, which involves managing symptoms and preventing complications, remains essential in treatment.