Chandipura Virus: No cases reported in MP, says Health Minister

Bhopal: Following a review by the Union Health Ministry and experts on cases of viral infection and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, no cases of Chandipura virus have been reported in the state, Madhya Pradesh, state Health Minister Rajendra Shukla said on Sunday.

Shukla said the health department possesses all the necessary equipment and facilities to identify the virus, which is one of the causes of AES.

According to a PTI report, "The state health department is constantly monitoring the situation. No case of Chandipura virus has been found in Madhya Pradesh," said Shukla, adding that the health department has been updating all details on the IDSP portal.

"The Health Department is fully prepared to deal with this situation," the Deputy Chief Minister said, adds news agency PTI.

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 JE, Dengue, HSV, CHPV and West Nile etc, according to the Union Health Ministry.

Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a member of 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, according to a ministry statement.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that Prof (Dr) Atul Goel, DGHS, Union Health Ministry, and Director of NCDC, along with experts from AIIMS, Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, and National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), as well as officials from Central and State surveillance units has reviewed the Chandipura virus and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.