All About Chandipura Virus

Dr.Rakesh Pandit, 2 mins read

Chandipura virus is not a new virus. It was first discovered in 1965 in Chandipura Village of Maharashtra. That’s how it got its name - Chandipura. In recent times, the virus has been making headlines, especially in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Though it's relatively rare, this viral infection primarily affects children. It belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridaeis, which also includes rabies virus.

It is classified as an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) and is transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies, which are more common in the early monsoon period. Here, we are going to discuss this disease in depth, including its symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures.

Symptoms
The symptoms of Chandipura virus infection typically manifest within 4 to 6 days after being bitten by an infected sandfly. Initially, patients complain of fever, headache, drowsiness, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Sometimes patients also report respiratory distress, anaemia and bleeding.

As the infection progresses, it can lead to neurological complications such as neck stress, seizures, vision changes, loss of balance, difficulty speaking, and convulsions. In severe cases, the virus can lead to coma or fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), particularly in young children. Encephalitis raises the risk of mortality within 24 to 48 hours.

Treatment
There are no specific antiviral agents or vaccines available for its treatment as of now. Therefore, the primary focus is on supportive care to manage the symptoms and complications associated with this viral infection.

Patients with severe symptoms may require hospitalisation, oxygen therapy or ventilation (if needed). It’s important to get yourself checked by a doctor whenever you notice the above-mentioned symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help address the condition better.

Prevention
For prevention, it is crucial to minimise exposure to sandflies, which are most active during the evening and night. They mostly bred in dark rooms, holes and crevices in walls, holes in trees, etc.

Here are some tips to keep yourself away from the Chandipura virus:

• Apply insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin, especially during outdoor activities.
• Wear long-sleeved, breathable shirts, pants, and socks.
• Spray insecticides, sanitise the surrounding area, ensure proper disposal of water and use fly paper.

Chandipura virus is a concern in certain regions of India. However, the overall risk of infection is relatively low. It is good to stay informed about the virus and take appropriate actions for prevention and treatment.

At Aakash Healthcare, we have a team of nationally renowned Internal Medicine Physicians who have expertise in the management and treatment of a range of viral infections, including the Chandipura virus. If you or anyone you know has its symptoms don’t ignore them and consult with our experts.