Chandipura virus outbreak: The World Health Organisation recently stated that the current outbreak of the Chandipura virus in India is the largest in 20 years. According to the global health body, between early June and August 15, the Ministry of Health reported 245 cases of AES (Acute Encephalitis Syndrome), with 82 deaths (case fatality rate or CFR 33%).

43 districts in India are now reporting AES cases.

There are 64 confirmed cases of Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection.

"CHPV is endemic in India, with previous outbreaks occurring regularly. However, the current outbreak is the largest in the past 20 years," the WHO said.

What is Chandipura Virus?

The virus was identified in 1965 and named after Chandipura, a village in Maharashtra. The virus is believed to belong to the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes other viruses such as the lyssavirus that causes rabies. 

In 2016, scientists AB Sudeep, YK Gurav, and VP Bondre published a review article in the Indian Journal of Medical Research under the name "Rhabdo," which means "rod-shaped" in Greek and relates to the virus's bullet-like structure. 

Some vector species, such as Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, as well as a few mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti, a dengue vector, are thought to be Chandipura vectors. The infection lives in the salivary glands of insects and can be transmitted to humans or other vertebrates such as domestic animals through bites.

Symptoms 

The virus is accompanied by the sudden onset of flu-like symptoms such as high temperature, seizures, diarrhoea, vomiting, convulsions, and altered sensorium. In extreme situations, the viral infection might cause coma and death. 

According to a report by scientists studying the virus, encephalitis, an inflammation of active brain tissues, is the leading cause of death for the majority of affected people. A few studies in India have also found other symptoms such as respiratory distress, bleeding tendency, and anaemia. 

Treatment 

The virus affects children under the age of 15 years. Following encephalitis, the virus spreads swiftly and may cause death within 24-48 hours.

Currently, no antiretroviral medicine or vaccination is accessible for treatment. Thus, controlling brain inflammation is crucial to prevent death.