Madhya Pradesh State PCS

• 22 Jul 2024

Chandipura Virus

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.

Jabalpur Investor Summit

Why in News?

According to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, the State had received investment proposals worth Rs 17,000 crore at the investor summit in Jabalpur, which was likely to generate over 13,000 employment opportunities.

Key Points

• A modern skill development centre would be established in Jabalpur to attract investment in the textiles and readymade clothing sectors.
  • In the Conclave, Ashok Leyland Limited and Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited signed a Rs 600 crore Memorandum of Understanding in the defence manufacturing sector.
  • The government has also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several industrial units across the state, with a total investment of Rs 1,500 crore, creating around 4,500 jobs. 
  • Further investment proposals include Rs 1,500 crore from Volvo Eicher in the automobile sector and a Rs 1,500 crore cement unit by HeidelbergCement.
• The Madhya Pradesh government will host similar summits in Rewa, Sagar and Gwalior cities and a larger global investors' summit in Bhopal in February 2025.
  • Earlier in January 2024, a similar summit was organised in Ujjain,  in which the Adani Group announced investments of Rs 75,000 crore in the state.