A concerning outbreak of suspected Chandipura virus infection in Gujarat has claimed the lives of six children within the past five days. The Gujarat Health Minister, Rushikesh Patel, confirmed this alarming situation on Monday, stating that the total number of suspected cases has reached 12. The outbreak first raised concerns last week when pediatricians at the civil hospital in Himatnagar, Sabarkantha district, identified the Chandipura virus as a potential cause of death for four children. Their blood samples were promptly sent to Pune’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) for verification. Since then, four more children exhibiting similar symptoms have been admitted to the hospital, bringing the total number of suspected cases to 12.
The hospital is now treating three patients from Aravalli, one from Mahisagar, and one from Kheda. The health minister also mentioned that there are two patients from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh. The Chandipura virus, classified by the World Health Organization as a potential priority disease in 2017, has resurfaced, demanding attention.
The Chandipura virus, named after the village in Maharashtra where it was first identified in 1965, belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and the Vesiculovirus genus, closely linked to viruses causing vesicular stomatitis and rabies. The name “Rhabdo,” signifying “rod-shaped” in Greek, refers to the virus’s bullet-like shape, as noted in a 2016 review article published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research by scientists A.B Sudeep, Y.K Gurav, and V.P Bondre. This lesser-known virus primarily affects humans, particularly children, and has been identified during sporadic outbreaks in various parts of India and other countries in Asia and Africa.
The 2003-04 outbreaks in central India were particularly devastating, leading to 322 child deaths: 183 in Andhra Pradesh, 115 in Maharashtra, and 24 in Gujarat. The fatality rates were alarmingly high, ranging from 56 per cent in Andhra Pradesh to 75 per cent in Gujarat.
The Chandipura virus, mainly affecting children aged 9 to 14 years, has a high mortality rate. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected sandflies or drainflies, particularly species like Phlebotomus papatasi and Sergentomyia, as well as mosquitoes and ticks. The infection is characterized by a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms, including high fever, seizures, diarrhoea, vomiting, convulsions, and altered sensorium. In severe cases, the viral infection can lead to coma and death. According to a report by trio scientists, the primary cause of death for most infected patients is encephalitis, an inflammation of active brain tissues.
While the disease is common during the rainy season, particularly in rural areas, it is not contagious, according to the state health minister. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Chandipura virus infection. Therefore, supportive care remains the primary approach, focusing on treating symptoms and preventing complications. Effective management, including controlling the vectors and maintaining good nutrition, hygiene, health, and public awareness, can help curb the virus’s spread.
Health Minister Rushikesh Patel appealed to the public to remain calm and advised them to take necessary precautions. Chief District Health Officer, Aravalli, MA Siddiqui, informed ANI, “50 teams have been constituted to do dusting at a mass level. I appeal to farmers to use insecticides and pesticides to kill mosquitos. Kids should be made to wear full-sleeved clothes to prevent them from mosquitoes.”
In response to the outbreak, the state government initially issued a notification for intensive surveillance in the affected areas. So far, 18,646 people across 4,487 houses have been screened, and 2,093 houses have been sprayed with insecticides to control the sandfly population, according to the minister. Patel also told PTI that the situation is under control and advised the public to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persist.
As the state battles this unexpected health crisis, the combined efforts of the government and the community are crucial in preventing further loss and managing the virus outbreak.
