Chandipura Virus Outbreak in Gujarat Claims Six Children: Understanding the Deadly Disease and Its Symptoms

6 Children Die of Suspected Chandipura Virus Infection in Gujarat

The Gujarat government announced on Monday (July 15) that six children have succumbed to suspected Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection since July 10. Total of 12 suspected cases had been reported. These cases span across districts such as Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, and Kheda, with additional cases from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh receiving treatment in Gujarat.

CHPV is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes viruses like the lyssavirus that causes rabies. The virus is primarily transmitted by several species of sandflies (e.g., Phlebotomine sandflies, Phlebotomus papatasi) and some mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes aegypti, also known for spreading dengue). The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and is transmitted to humans and other vertebrates through bites.

The initial symptoms of CHPV infection resemble flu-like conditions:

– Acute onset of fever

– Body aches

– Headaches

The disease can then progress to more severe symptoms:

– Altered sensorium or seizures

– Encephalitis (inflammation of the active tissues of the brain)

– Respiratory distress

– Bleeding tendencies

– Anemia

The infection often progresses rapidly, leading to mortality within 24-48 hours of hospitalization. Studies have shown that children below the age of 15 are particularly susceptible to the infection. There is currently no specific antiretroviral therapy or vaccine available. This makes symptomatic management crucial to prevent brain inflammation and mortality.

CHPV was first identified in 1965 during an investigation of a dengue/chikungunya outbreak in Maharashtra. Significant outbreaks occurred in 2003-04 in Maharashtra, northern Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, resulting in over 300 child fatalities. During the 2004 outbreak in Gujarat, the case fatality rate (CFR) was around 78%, while Andhra Pradesh reported a CFR of approximately 55% in 2003.

The infection is largely endemic to central India, where the population of CHPV-spreading sandflies and mosquitoes is higher. A medical superintendent and pediatric surgeon at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital noted that outbreaks are commonly reported in rural, tribal and peripheral areas, correlating with the prevalence of sandflies. He also mentioned a seasonal aspect, with outbreaks more frequent when sandfly populations increase.

Given the rapid progression and high mortality rate of CHPV, it is imperative to manage brain inflammation effectively. Take proper preventive measures to reduce exposure to sandflies and mosquitoes. Public health efforts should focus on raising awareness, improving insect control measures and providing timely medical care to affected individuals.