Chandipura Virus Alert: IMA Gujarat issues advisroy, urges early detection

The association has advised parents and guardians to take special care of the health of their children, maintain cleanliness, remove sandfly breeding grounds, and seek medical treatment without delay if any suspicious symptoms are noticed. Chandipura virus can quickly affect the brain, so early identification, timely treatment, and protection from sandflies are the most effective forms of protection. 

What is Chandipura virus?

Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a rare but serious viral infection that is spread by the bite of an infected sandfly. The disease can rapidly affect the brain and cause serious complications. This virus can cause swelling in the brain (Encephalitis), which can lead to serious conditions. This virus was first identified in India in the village of Chandipura in Maharashtra.

How does the virus spread?

Chandipura virus is mainly spread by small flies called sandflies. In some cases, it can also be spread by mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects. These flies can be found in the cracks of damp, raw, or cooked walls inside the house. In the barn, stables, and corners of the farm. A dirty environment and an increasing number of pests could cause the virus to spread. Damp soil and cracks in walls, places with garbage, dung and dirt, and waterlogging around the house are the worst affected places. Malnourished children and people living in rural and dirty areas are greatly exposed to it.

Symptoms of Chandipura virus:

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 5 days after infection.

Main features:

Sudden onset of fever, vomiting, fainting, constant sleepiness or lethargy, Heavy headache, Weakness in the body, Fits/Convulsions, and Difficulty speaking or walking. In severe cases, coma may also occur.

Precautions to avoid Chandipura virus:

Maintain personal hygiene, maintain cleanliness inside and outside the house, use a mosquito net, use insect repellent or cream, keep the environment clean, keep drains and pipes clean, dress the children fully, provide nutritious food, wash your hands frequently with soap, avoid pests, install screens on windows and doors, do not let water remain stagnant, do not leave garbage open, and avoid playing outside in the evening.

What to do if symptoms appear?

If the child has the following symptoms: high fever, vomiting, seizures, or excessive sleepiness, immediately take them to the nearest government or private hospital. Timely treatment is important in saving lives. There is currently no specific antiviral medication available for Chandipura virus treatment.

“The Chandipura virus can become serious quickly. Timely diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of death. Sanitation and pest control are the most effective preventive measures. Follow the instructions given by the Health Department. Special notice to parents. If your child experiences symptoms such as fever, vomiting, seizures, or unconsciousness, do not try home remedies or self-medication. Seek immediate medical attention,” the advisory mentions.

“If you feel the need, take the child to a paediatrician immediately. If a paediatrician is not available, it is necessary to take the child to a government or private hospital where the full facilities of the Pediatric ICU (PICU) are available with 24-hour paediatrician supervision. In serious cases, it is extremely important to admit the child to such a hospital as soon as possible so that the child gets timely and proper treatment,” it further added.

Appeal to the public:

To protect against the Chandipura virus, maintain cleanliness, remove sandfly breeding sites, and follow the guidelines provided by the health department. Timely treatment and precautions can protect the health of children.