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Deadly Virus Outbreak: Children at Risk
28 Jul
Summary
- Chandipura virus has re-emerged, causing acute encephalitis outbreaks.
- The virus, isolated in 1965, is transmitted by sandflies and mosquitoes.
- No specific treatment exists; management focuses on reducing brain inflammation.
Recent outbreaks of the Chandipura virus (CHPV) in Gujarat and Rajasthan have raised alarms, particularly due to its high mortality rate, especially among children. As of Friday, July 24th, nine confirmed deaths have been linked to CHPV, with seven cases in Gujarat and two in Rajasthan.
CHPV, first identified in 1965, belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family. It is transmitted to humans and animals through the bites of infected sandflies and certain mosquito species. The virus can infect the central nervous system, leading to encephalitis, characterized by flu-like symptoms that can rapidly progress to severe neurological issues.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus infection. Management strategies focus on symptomatic care and reducing brain inflammation to prevent fatalities. The disease's rapid progression, often leading to mortality within 24-48 hours of hospitalization, underscores the need for heightened public health surveillance and awareness.
Vector-borne diseases, including CHPV, often peak during and after the monsoon season due to increased breeding of mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. Climate change, with rising temperatures and extreme rainfall, further exacerbates the conditions favorable for these vectors to multiply and spread to new areas.
