16 September, 2024
Chandipura virus
Thu 25 Jul, 2024
Context
- The death toll of children because of the 'Chandipura virus' (CHPV) is rising continuously in the state of Gujarat.
- Previous outbreaks occurred in 2003–04 in parts of central India, causing the deaths of over 300 children in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
Chandipura virus
- It is an Arbovirus belonging to the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family.
- Arboviral disease: It refers to infections caused by a group of viruses spread to people by the bite of infected arthropods (insects) such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Transmission:
- It is transmitted by sandflies and mosquitoes, including Aedes aegypti, which is also a vector for dengue.
- The virus is present in the salivary glands of these insects and can be transmitted to humans or domestic animals through bites.
- Effects: Chandipura infection causes encephalitis, which is the inflammation or swelling of brain tissue.
- Symptoms: Sudden fever onset, Vomiting, Changes in mental status, Seizures, Diarrhea, Impaired neurological function (e.g., difficulty speaking, loss of balance, vision changes), Headaches, stiff neck and sensitivity to light
Prevention:
- Vector control
- Identifying and Eliminating Sandfly Breeding Sites
- Environmental control, including proper waste disposal and sanitatio
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