Chandipura Virus in Gujarat: Six Children Die Since July 10
Chandipura virus in Gujarat: Six children have died since July 10 as cases rise. Learn more about the virus, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
Key Highlights
• Six deaths in Gujarat: Six children have died due to the suspected Chandipura virus in Gujarat since July 10.
• Rising cases: The total number of cases of Chandipura virus in Gujarat has risen to 12.
• Sample testing: Samples have been sent to Pune’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) for confirmation.
• Transmission: The virus spreads through mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies.
• Areas affected: Cases are from Sabar Kantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, and Kheda districts in Gujarat. And also from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Details of the Outbreak
Six children have died due to the suspected Chandipura virus in Gujarat since July 10, according to state Health Minister Rushikesh Patel. The total number of cases in Gujarat has risen to 12. Samples from the 12 patients have been sent to Pune’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) for confirmation.
What is the Chandipura Virus?
The Chandipura virus causes fever, flu-like symptoms, and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It spreads through vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. The pathogen belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family.
Affected Regions
• Sabarkantha District: Four patients.
• Aravalli District: Three patients.
• Mahisagar District: One patient.
• Kheda District: One patient.
• Other States: Two patients from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh received treatment in Gujarat.
Statements from the Health Minister
Minister Patel reported six deaths due to the suspected Chandipura virus in Gujarat. Confirmation is pending the results from the samples sent to NIV. Five of the six deaths occurred at the civil hospital in Himatnagar, Sabarkantha district. Eight of the 12 samples are from patients at the Himatnagar Civil Hospital.
Timeline of the Outbreak
• July 10: Paediatricians at Himatnagar Civil Hospital suspected the Chandipura virus as the cause of death for four children. They have sent their samples for testing.
• Later: Four more children at the hospital showed similar symptoms.
Preventive Measures
Chandipura virus is not contagious, but intensive surveillance is underway in affected areas. The health department has screened 18,646 people in 4,487 houses. The department is working continuously to prevent the disease’s spread.
Expert Insights
Dr Neha Rastogi Panda is a Consultant in Infectious Disease at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram. She emphasized that the Chandipura virus is an emerging pathogen. It can cause severe and often fatal illnesses in humans, particularly in children.
Understanding the Virus
• Type of Virus: Chandipura virus is an arbovirus and a member of the vesicular virus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family.
• Transmission: Primarily through phlebotomine sandflies, and sometimes through ticks and mosquitoes.
• Vulnerable Group: Children are more prone to infection.
Government Action
The Gujarat health department is on high alert. They are ensuring that the virus does not spread further. They have implemented measures to screen and track the affected regions.
Public Awareness
People in the affected regions are being educated about the Chandipura virus. They are being advised on how to protect themselves from mosquito bites and other vectors.
Future Steps
The health department continues to track the situation closely. They are waiting for the test results from NIV to confirm the presence of the Chandipura virus. In the meantime, they are taking all necessary precautions to safeguard public health.
Conclusion
The Chandipura virus in Gujarat has caused significant concern due to the recent deaths of six children. With 12 cases reported, the state health department is actively working to control the spread and provide the necessary care. Public awareness and preventive measures are crucial to combat this outbreak.
