Chandipura Virus

The Union Health Ministry along with experts reviewed the Chandipura virus cases and Acute Encephalitis syndrome cases in three states recently.

Key Points

Gujarat accounts the majority of cases and deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had recognised the Chandipura virus as a potential priority disease in 2017.

About Virus

The virus was first discovered in 1965, and was named after Chandipura village of Maharashtra. The virus is said to belong to the Rhabdoviridae family, which likewise includes other viruses like the lyssavirus that causes rabies.
CHPV is a virus that belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes rabies. It is transmitted by sandflies and mosquitoes, including Aedes aegypti, which is also a vector for dengue.
The virus is spread by the female phlebotomine sandfly, which is abundant during the early monsoon season.
The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and can be transmitted to humans or domestic animals through bites.
The infection can lead to encephalitis and inflammation of the brain’s active tissues
Typical symptoms include a rapid onset of fever, vomiting, altered mental state, convulsions, diarrhoea, neurological deficits, and signs of meningeal irritation.
The virus predominantly affects children under the age of 15, mostly in rural areas.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for virus. Early diagnosis and supportive care, such as managing airways, fluid balance, and the prevention of secondary bacterial infections, are essential for patient management.

About NIV

National Institute of Virology (NIV), is one of the major Institutes of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) established at Pune, Maharashtra State in 1952.