Fifteen children are believed to have died of a suspected viral infection — Chandipura virus — in Gujarat since July 10. So far, 29 cases have been reported on the disease. State health minister Rushikesh Patel has confirmed about the alarming situation.
“As of Wednesday, 15 deaths have been reported out of which one is confirmed due to the Chandipura virus while others are suspected but symptoms are all similar in all cases so it’s assumed that all cases are the same,” a health department official said, as quoted by The Hindu.
The number of suspected cases has gradually increased, with the hospital now treating three patients from Aravalli, one from Mahisagar, and one from Kheda. Additionally, there are two patients from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh, according to the health minister.
The first four suspected Chandipura cases were reported in the civil hospital at Himatnagar in Sabarkantha district.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had recognised the Chandipura virus as a potential priority disease in 2017.
Let us understand what this infection is and how it spreads.
What is the Chandipura Virus Infection?
The virus was first identified in 1965, and was named after a village in Maharashtra called Chandipura. It belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes other members such as the lyssavirus that causes rabies.
The name “Rhabdo,” meaning “rod-shaped” in Greek, refers to the bullet-like shape of the virus, scientists AB Sudeep, YK Gurav, and VP Bondre wrote in a 2016 review article published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research.
Several species of sandflied like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, and some mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti, which is also a vector for dengue, are considered vectors of Chandipura virus.
The virus resides in the salivary gland of the insects, and can be transmitted to humans or other vertebrates like domestic animals through bites.
Cases in India
The virus primarily affects humans, particularly children, and has been detected during sporadic outbreaks in various parts of India and other countries in Asia and Africa.
The 2003-04 outbreaks in central India were particularly devastating, resulting in 322 child deaths: 183 in Andhra Pradesh, 115 in Maharashtra, and 24 in Gujarat. The fatality rates were alarmingly high, ranging from 56% in Andhra Pradesh to 75% in Gujarat.
What are the Symptoms?
The infection is characterised by sudden onset of flu-like symptoms, including high fever, seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, and altered sensorium. In severe cases, the viral infection can lead to coma and death. According to a report by trio scientists, the primary cause of death for most infected patients is encephalitis, an inflammation of active brain tissues.
Some studies from India have also reported other symptoms such as respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, or anaemia.
The infection affects children below the age of 15 years. The infection progresses rapidly after encephalitis, which may lead to mortality within 24-48 hours.
What’s the Treatment?
At present, there is no antiretroviral therapy or vaccine available for treatment. As a result, it is crucial to manage brain inflammation to prevent death.
Some paediatricians say the disease can progress rapidly from high fever in the morning and the kidney and liver being affected in the evening.
Supportive care remains the primary approach, focusing on treating symptoms and preventing complications. Further, effective management including controlling the vectors and maintaining good nutrition, hygiene, health, and public awareness can help curb the spread of virus.
Dr Rakesh Joshi, medical superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and paediatric surgeon, said the outbreaks are often reported in rural, tribal and peripheral areas, and the same may have a correlation with the prevalence of sandflies in these areas, as quoted in a reported by The Indian Express. He added that there is also a seasonal aspect to the infection where outbreaks are reported more when the sandflies’ population increases.
How is Government Trying to Stop the Spread of Virus?
Gujarat health authorities, as a precautionary measure, have screened over 44,000 people in 8,600 houses from across 26 residential zones.
Health minister Patel said the State Health Department had undertaken intensive surveillance of the affected districts, and a special advisory had been issued to the community, and to primary health centres, sub-district hospitals and medical colleges, to treat suspected cases with certain symptoms, including Chandipura virus cases.
Patel also told PTI that the situation is under control and advised the public to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persist.
Chief District Health Officer, Aravalli, MA Siddiqui, shared with ANI, “50 teams have been constituted to do dusting at a mass level. I appeal to farmers to use insecticides and pesticides to kill mosquitos. Kids should be made to wear full-sleeved clothes to prevent them from mosquitoes.”