After the outbreak of 2024, Chandipura virus in Rajasthan and Gujarat has once again increased the concern of the people. So far, 12 children have lost their lives due to Chandipura virus infection, including many suspected cases. Usually this virus spreads through the bite of sand fly in children below 15 years of age. However, in many cases adults can also fall prey to it.
According to experts, if infection occurs in this condition, the child may suffer from high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, chills and tremors or cramps in the body. Therefore, as soon as such symptoms appear, it is advised to take the child to the hospital immediately. Doctors say that if there is a delay in treatment in this situation, his condition may become serious.
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What is Chandipura virus?
Dr. Archana PateAccording to , Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, ‘This virus is mainly spread through the bite of infected sandfly. In some cases, mosquitoes and ticks may also play a role in its spread. Initially symptoms like high fever, vomiting, headache and extreme weakness appear. This virus can rapidly affect the brain, causing serious conditions like seizures, unconsciousness and swelling of the brain. At present there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for this virus. Therefore, it is very important to contact a doctor immediately as soon as symptoms appear.
In simple words, Chandipura virus i.e. CHPV is a virus of Rhabdoviridae family. This virus spreads through the bite of sandfly. In this condition, symptoms like high fever, headache, vomiting and seizures can be seen. In severe conditions, the patient may become unconscious and may even go into coma. Not only this, it can cause Acute Encephalitis Syndrome i.e. AES.
Understand what is Acute Encephalitis Syndrome i.e. AES
Dr. Asma Bibi, According to Chief Laboratory Head, Newberg Diagnostics, ‘Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) is not a single disease. This is a group of many diseases in which there is swelling in the brain. Diseases like Chandipura virus and Japanese encephalitis can have similar symptoms like high fever, vomiting, seizures and unconsciousness. But these diseases spread in different ways, so the measures to prevent them are also different.
Experts say that in this situation, timely and accurate lab testing is very important. Initially the treatment may be the same, but when it is known which virus or cause has caused the disease, then appropriate steps like mosquito control, sand fly control or vaccination can be taken quickly.
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He said, ‘If modern testing techniques like PCR are strengthened across the country, then the disease can be identified early, monitoring will be better and timely treatment and prevention steps can be taken.’ The need of the hour is to create a robust and lab-based AES testing network to effectively tackle serious diseases like encephalitis in India.
best way to protect
According to experts, the best way to protect against this virus is to avoid insect bites. Make children wear full-sleeved clothes, use insect repellent creams or sprays, sleep under mosquito nets or insecticide-treated nets, and keep the surroundings clean so that insects do not breed. During outbreaks, it is also important to protect children from playing outside in the evening or at night. If a child suddenly has high fever and is accompanied by lethargy, frequent vomiting or seizures, do not ignore it at all and take him to the hospital immediately. Life can be saved by getting treatment at the right time. Awareness, personal safety and cleanliness of surroundings are the most effective ways to prevent Chandipura virus.
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