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