Chandipura virus cases are increasing drastically in Gujarat. It mainly affects children and more than six children have died.
Chandipura virus is a deadly infection that can cause coma and death if not treated on time. Currently, the state of Gujarat is witnessing a rise in the number of cases in children and reports of deaths are also being recorded. After two more cases of death were reported in the state, the number of deaths recorded so far has risen to eight, Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said. On Monday, Patel addressed the public saying, “Cases of Chandipura virus have emerged in several places in the state. There is no need to be afraid, but we need to be cautious. Chandipura is not a new virus. In 1965, the first case was recorded in Maharashtra. Cases of this virus are recorded in Gujarat every year. This disease is caused by the bite of a vector-infected sandfly and mainly affects children aged 9 months to 14 years. It is seen more in rural areas.”
However, the need to increase our health surveillance is the need of the hour. The monsoon season brings its own set of seasonal viruses and bacteria such as dengue, malaria, etc.
Chandipura virus transmission
The irus virus is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family. Chandipura viral encephalitis (CHPV) is named after the Chandipura district in Maharashtra, where the first outbreak was recorded. According to the state’s health minister, “this disease is not contagious.”
How to keep children safe from Chandipura virus?
There is no guarantee of a safety net against infection from any virus, but what we can do is maintain a healthy and clean environment and reduce the risk of infection as much as possible.
- Clean environment: Chandipura virus is mainly transmitted by sandflies that breed in garbage and small, dirty areas. Therefore, it is imperative to keep the surroundings clean. Avoid stagnant water. Keep children away from garbage bins in public spaces.
- Long-sleeved clothing: This is another important step that is often overlooked and underestimated. It is important to wear light clothing that completely covers the body. This will help reduce the risk of being bitten or infected by sandflies or mosquitoes, especially when the virus is spreading like wildfire.
- Insect repellents: Insecticide sprays can help eliminate the vector, experts said, while calling for efforts to prevent the spread of the virus by controlling sandfly populations.
- Bed nets: Another health strategy is to use insect repellents and mosquito nets while sleeping.
- Healthy life style: A nutrient-rich diet that helps boost immunity is also essential to fight pathogens.
Cases have been reported from Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Kheda, Mehsana and Rajkot districts, the minister said.
Patel said three cases from neighbouring states – two from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh – were also treated in Gujarat hospitals. Of the two patients from Rajasthan, one died, he said. “The mortality rate of the disease is high and it is difficult for a patient to survive if there is a delay in getting treatment,” he said.
More than 44,000 people in 8,600 houses in 26 residential areas have been screened as a precautionary measure, he said.
