Chandipura Virus

• 22 Jul 2024

Why in News?

According to the Madhya Pradesh Health Minister, no case of Chandipura virus has been reported in the state.

• Earlier, the Union Health Ministry and experts reviewed cases of the viral infection and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points

• According to the sources, Madhya Pradesh health department possesses all the necessary equipment and facilities to identify the virus, which is one of the causes of AES.
• Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) is a group of clinically similar neurologic manifestations caused by several different viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites, spirochetes, chemicals/ toxins, etc. 
  • The known viral causes of AES include Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Dengue, Herpes simplex virus, and West Nile etc.

Chandipura Virus (CHPV) 

• It is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family known to cause sporadic cases and outbreaks in western, central and southern parts of the country, especially during the monsoon season. 
  • It is transmitted by vectors such as sand flies and ticks. It is to be noted that vector control, hygiene and awareness are the only measures available against the disease.
• The infection caused by the virus can then reach the central nervous system which can lead to encephalitis — inflammation of the active tissues of the brain.
• Disease progression can be as rapid as a patient reporting high fever in the morning, and their kidneys or liver being affected by the evening.
• This infection has largely remained limited to children below 15 years.
• Symptoms:
  • The CHPV infection presents initially with flu-like symptoms such as acute onset of fever, body ache, and headache.
  • It may then progress to altered sensorium or seizures and encephalitis.
  • Respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, or anaemia.
  • The infection often progresses rapidly after encephalitis, which may then lead to mortality within 24-48 hours of hospitalization.
• Treatment:
  • The infection can only be managed symptomatically, as there is currently no specific antiretroviral therapy or vaccine available for treatment.