Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a very rare but extremely lethal virus that primarily attacks children and can cause Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) by brain swelling. Though this virus is rare in occurrence, it is highly lethal in the event of severe infections, hence the importance of early diagnosis.
This is everything you should know about the Chandipura virus.
Chandipura Virus
It is a condition which is classified as belonging to the virus family of Rhabdoviridae and the genus of Vesiculovirus. This virus falls under the family of viruses known as Rhabdoviridae and the genus of Vesiculovirus. This virus is quite similar to rabies virus in many ways. This virus was discovered in the year 1965 in the location of Chandipura,
The disease caused by this virus is known as the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome. It comes about very fast, particularly in individuals less than 15 years old.
Way the Chandipura Virus Spreads
The transfer is usually achieved via the bite of infected females of sandflies of the genus Phlebotomus. It has been scientifically proven that other insects, like mosquitoes and ticks, may serve as vectors for the infection by the virus, but the primary means of spread is the sandfly bite.
Chandipura virus does not have the capacity to transfer itself directly from one individual to another, unlike other viruses.
Infections become more frequent in the monsoon months owing to the increased numbers of sand flies.
Who Is Most in Risky Situations?
The children who are below the age of 15 years, especially from the age groups of 9 to 14 years are very vulnerable because of their immature nervous and immune systems. These are the people who are more prone to suffer from brain swelling.
The people residing in the rural areas where they live in the mud houses and poor sanitary conditions along with sand flies pose yet another risk group.
Chandipura virus symptoms
The disease typically strikes in a sudden and dramatic manner, and can progress to serious illness within 24 to 48 hours.
Symptoms are typically:
High fever
Severe headache
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Muscle pain
Extreme weakness
As the infection goes on, neurological symptoms can be present such as:
Seizures
Confusion
Irritability
Excessiveness in sleep
Insufficient consciousness
Coma
In case the child is showing these symptoms,
Which States Have Chandipura Virus Cases?
Chandipura virus outbreak cases have been primarily reported from western and central parts of India.
The following states are where the virus was discovered:
Outbreaks of the Chandipura virus have mostly occurred in western and central India.
The states where the virus was found are as follows:
Gujarat
Maharashtra
Rajasthan
Andhra Pradesh
It is common for health officials to step up frequently during monsoons in these areas.
Is There a Treatment or Vaccine?
At present there is no vaccine or any antiviral drug that can be used to treat Chandipura virus.
Treatment includes the following:
Management of cerebral swelling
Seizure management
Administration of intravenous fluids
Respiratory support when necessary
Close monitoring
Treatment and early detection greatly boost the likelihood of survival.
How Can One Prevent the Chandipura Virus?
There is no vaccine for the disease, the approach used in preventing the infection is protecting oneself against the bite of the insects.
Some methods of preventing the disease include:
Applying insect repellents.
Wearing long-sleeved clothing, particularly at night.
Using insecticide mosquitos or sand-fly nets when sleeping.
Maintaining cleanliness.
Removing stagnant water.
Getting prompt medical attention if a child suffers from fever suddenly or has any nervous disorders.
Chandipura Virus Ways to Stay Protected
Though very rare, the Chandipura virus is a great threat to public health due to its ability to lead to severe inflammation of the brain within a short period of time, especially in young children. Due to the fact that there is no vaccine or cure for it, the only prevention measures include early detection of symptoms and treatment and avoiding bites from the sandflies.
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