A deadly virus is spreading rapidly in the state of Gujarat. The Chandipura virus has already claimed the lives of six children so far. Here is everything you need to know about the outbreak.
A deadly virus outbreak in Gujarat has claimed six lives so far, while the total number of cases of the infection has risen to 12, according to state health minister Rushikesh Patel. Chandipura viral encephalitis (CHPV) is named after Maharashtra’s Chandipura district, where the first outbreak was recorded. “Six deaths due to suspected Chandipura virus have been reported in the state, but it will be clear only after the results of the samples whether they were caused by the Chandipura virus,” he said in a statement.
Patel said four of the 12 patients were from Sabarkantha district, three from Aravalli, one each from Mahisagar and Kheda in Gujarat, while two patients were from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. They were treated in Gujarat.
Chandipura Virus: Symptoms and Precautions
Chandipura virus causes fever, with flu-like symptoms, and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It is transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies. The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family.
Symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Eat
- Muscle pain (myalgia)
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory distress
In severe cases, the infected person may fall into a coma and also suffer from neurological disorders.
Treatment and precautions
There is no specific treatment for the Chandipura virus so far. For emergency treatment, doctors usually focus on protecting the neurological part and subjective antiviral treatment. It mainly affects children. Therefore, as a precaution, it is best to go out in long-sleeved clothing. Keep the surroundings clean and avoid stagnant water.
Focus on a nutrient-rich diet to boost immunity and maintain proper hygiene at all times.
Chandipura virus claims six lives in Gujarat
“Five of the six deaths have been reported from Himatnagar Civil Hospital in Sabarkantha district. All 12 samples, including eight from patients of Sabarkantha Civil Hospital, have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for confirmation,” Patel said.
Pediatricians at Himatnagar Civil Hospital suspected Chandipura virus as the cause of death of four children on July 10 and sent their samples to NIV for confirmation. Later, four more children at the hospital showed similar symptoms.
“The Chandipura virus is not contagious, but intensive surveillance has been carried out in the affected areas. We have tested 18,646 people in 4,487 houses. The health department is working round the clock to prevent the spread of the disease,” Patel said.
