At least 32 killed in worst outbreak of Chandipura virus in over 20 years

The worst outbreak of the Chandipura virus in over 20 years has killed at least 32 people, primarily children and teenagers, in India over the past month. The poorly understood disease, known to jump from insects to humans only in India, has infected more than 80 people in Gujarat, with additional cases in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Part of the same virus family as Rabies, Chandipura is mainly transmitted by sandflies, but also by mosquitoes and ticks. It predominantly affects those under 15, with symptoms ranging from fever and headache to encephalitis, convulsions, seizures, coma, and death. The current death rate is estimated at 76%, though many asymptomatic cases likely reduce the actual fatality rate.