Context:
Chandipura Virus (CHPV) cases are reportedly increasing in Gujarat.
More on the news
- The number of fatalities attributed to the infection in the state increased to 8, with cases up to 15.
- The Gujarat State Health Department had undertaken intensive surveillance of the affected districts Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Kheda, Mehsana, and Rajkot.
About Chandipura Virus (CHPV):
- Chandipura virus (CHPV), is an arbovirus (transmitted by insects) belonging to the genus Vesiculovirus in the family Rhabdoviridae.
- The first CHPV was discovered during an acute febrile outbreak in Nagpur, Maharashtra in 1965.
- CHPV has a single-stranded Ribonucleic acid (RNA) genome with negative polarity.
- Children under 15 years of age are most susceptible to natural infection.
- Sandflies, drain flies, and ticks are considered to be important vector of the virus.
Symptoms
- It can cause a sudden onset of high fever followed by seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, and reduced awareness of surroundings.
- This is because CHPV is an encephalitis which is inflammation of active brain tissues.
Treatment
- There is no specific antiviral treatment available for the Chandipura virus. Though, Medications such as mannitol and furosemide, which are decongestants are used to prevent swelling of the brain.
- Diagnosis of CHPV involves tests like IgM Elisa (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction).