What is Chandipura Virus (CHPV)?

Context

  • The Gujarat government recently said that six children have died of suspected Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection in the state.

Chandipura virus
Credit: Times of India

About Chandipura virus (CHPV)

  • Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a virus of the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes other members such as the lyssavirus that causes rabies.
  • Several species of sandflies like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, and some mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti (which is also the vector for dengue) are considered vectors of CHPV.
  • The virus resides in the salivary gland of these insects, and can be transmitted to humans or other vertebrates like domestic animals through bites.
  • The infection caused by the virus can then reach the central nervous system which can lead to encephalitis — inflammation of the active tissues of the brain.

What are the symptoms of CHPV infection?

  • The CHPV infection presents initially with flu-like symptoms such as acute onset of fever, body ache, and headache.
  • It may then progress to altered sensorium or seizures and encephalitis.
  • Retrospective studies from India have also reported other symptoms such as respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, or anaemia.
  • The infection often progresses rapidly after encephalitis, which may then lead to mortality within 24-48 hours of hospitalisation, according to studies.
  • Susceptibility has largely remained limited to children below 15 years.

How can the infection be managed?

  • The infection can only be symptomatically managed as currently there is no specific antiretroviral therapy or vaccine available for treatment.
  • As a result, it becomes crucial to manage brain inflammation to prevent mortality.
  • Disease progression can be as rapid as a patient reporting high fever in the morning, and their kidneys or liver being affected by the evening.
  • This makes it harder to manage the symptoms, according to several paediatricians.

Which are the worst affected regions in India?

  • The CHPV infection was first isolated in 1965 while investigating a dengue/chikungunya outbreak in Maharashtra.
  • However, one of the most significant outbreaks of the disease in India was seen in 2003-04 in states such as Maharashtra, northern Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, with the three states reporting more than 300 deaths of children.
  • The infection has largely remained endemic to the central part of India, where the population of CHPV infection-spreading sandflies and mosquitoes is higher.

Source: IE

Visit Abhiyan PEDIA (One of the Most Followed / Recommended) for UPSC Revisions: Click Here

IAS Abhiyan is now on Telegram: Click on the Below link to Join our Channels to stay Updated 

IAS Abhiyan Official: Click Here to Join

For UPSC Mains Value Edition (Facts, Quotes, Best Practices, Case Studies): Click Here to Join

Leave a Reply