Chandipura Virus, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Chandipura virus (CHPV), a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, has recently caused significant concern in Gujarat, where the toll of suspected cases has risen to 20.

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The Chandipura virus (CHPV), a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, has recently caused significant concern in Gujarat, India, where the toll of suspected cases has risen to 20, including two deaths in Ahmedabad city. This outbreak has raised alarms due to its history and severe impact, particularly on children. Here’s an in-depth look at CHPV, including its symptoms, treatment, prevention, and more.

Chandipura Virus in Gujarat

Gujarat is currently grappling with an outbreak of Chandipura Virus (CHPV), which has resulted in 20 suspected cases, including two confirmed deaths in Ahmedabad city. Health officials are on high alert as 35 individuals exhibiting symptoms have been admitted to hospitals across various districts. This outbreak has prompted a robust response from health authorities to control the spread and manage the impact of the virus.

What is Chandipura Virus (CHPV)?

CHPV is a neurotropic virus belonging to the Vesiculovirus genus within the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes rabies. Discovered in 1965 near Nagpur, Maharashtra, it is primarily transmitted by sandflies, particularly the female phlebotomine sandfly, which is prevalent during the early monsoon season. Additionally, mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti, known for transmitting dengue, can also serve as vectors.

	Details
Virus Family	Rhabdoviridae
Genus	Vesiculovirus
First Identified	1965, Maharashtra, India
Primary Vectors	Female Phlebotomine Sandflies Mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes aegypti)
Transmission	Through bites of infected sandflies or mosquitoes carrying the virus in their salivary glands.
Symptoms	Sudden onset of fever Vomiting Altered mental state Convulsions Diarrhea Neurological deficits Meningeal irritation
Affected Population	Primarily children under 15 years old, especially in rural areas

Family and Vectors

CHPV (Chandipura Virus) is part of the Rhabdoviridae family.
Transmitted by Phlebotomine sandflies, Phlebotomus papatasi, and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
The virus resides in the insect’s salivary glands and is transmitted through bites.

Transmission to Humans

The virus can infect humans and domestic animals, reaching the central nervous system and potentially causing encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.

Chandipura Virus (CHPV) Symptoms

Chandipura Virus infection typically results in Chandipura Viral Encephalitis, which presents with a range of symptoms. Here are the key symptoms:

Symptom	Description
Sudden Onset of Fever	High fever develops rapidly, often as one of the first symptoms.
Vomiting	Frequent and severe episodes of vomiting.
Altered Mental State	Changes in mental status, including confusion, drowsiness, or agitation.
Convulsions	Seizures are common, especially in children.
Diarrhea	Gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea.
Neurological Deficits	Symptoms affecting the nervous system include difficulty speaking, loss of balance, and vision changes.
Meningeal Irritation	Signs of irritation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, include headaches, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and seizures.

These symptoms can develop rapidly and may lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly. Early diagnosis and supportive care are critical for managing the infection and improving outcomes.

Impact and Risk Factors

CHPV primarily affects children under 15 years old, especially in rural areas where sandflies are more prevalent. The disease can progress rapidly, with severe cases leading to death within 48 hours of hospital admission. The virus’s impact has been notably severe in past outbreaks, including the 2003–04 outbreaks in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, which caused over 300 child fatalities.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis: Early diagnosis is critical and is typically confirmed through laboratory testing of blood or cerebrospinal fluid samples.
Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for CHPV. Management focuses on supportive care, which includes maintaining airway function, and fluid balance, and preventing secondary infections. Symptom management may involve medications to control fever and seizures.

Prevention

Effective prevention strategies include:

Vector Control: Reducing the population of sandflies and mosquitoes through targeted interventions.
Eliminating Breeding Sites: Identifying and removing potential breeding sites for sandflies and mosquitoes.
Protective Measures: Using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and employing bed nets to prevent bites.
Environmental Control: Ensuring proper waste disposal and sanitation to reduce vector habitats.

Public Health Response

Public health authorities often respond to CHPV outbreaks with measures such as:

Screening and Surveillance: Monitoring for symptoms and testing suspected cases.
Health Education: Informing communities about prevention measures and symptoms.
Resource Allocation: Providing resources and support to affected areas, including medical care and vector control efforts.

Management of Infection

No specific antiretroviral therapy or vaccine is available.
Management focuses on symptomatic treatment, especially controlling brain inflammation.

Environmental and Seasonal Factors leading to infection

Outbreaks are often in rural, tribal, and peripheral areas.
Linked to environmental conditions that favour sandfly proliferation, such as monsoon season and activities like using cow dung in construction, which attracts sandflies.

Chandipura Virus (CHPV) UPSC

Chandipura Virus (CHPV) presents a significant public health challenge, especially in regions where sandflies and mosquitoes are prevalent. Understanding its transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods is crucial for managing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations. Ongoing vigilance, effective public health strategies, and community engagement are essential for controlling and mitigating the impact of CHPV.

Chandipura Virus FAQs

What are the symptoms of the Chandipura virus?

Typical symptoms include a rapid onset of fever, vomiting, altered mental state, convulsions, diarrhoea, neurological deficits, and signs of meningeal irritation.

What is the history of Chandipura virus?

The virus was first identified in 1965, and was named after a village in Maharashtra called Chandipura.

How to prevent Chandipura virus?

"Avoid sandfly bites, insect repellent should be applied to exposed skin, long sleeves should be worn, and bed nets should be used when sleeping, especially in locations where sandflies are common, in order to lower the risk of infection,"