NEWS – 6 children die of suspected Chandipura virus infection in Gujarat

HIGHLIGHTS

Definition and Transmission:

• CHPV is a virus of the Rhabdoviridae family transmitted by several species of sandflies (Phlebotomine sandflies like Phlebotomus papatasi) and some mosquito species (e.g., Aedes aegypti).
• It resides in the salivary glands of these vectors and can be transmitted to humans through bites.

Symptoms:

• Initial symptoms include fever, body ache, and headache similar to flu-like symptoms.
• Progression may lead to altered sensorium, seizures, and encephalitis (brain inflammation).
• Respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, and anaemia have also been reported.

Severity and Mortality:

• Rapid disease progression can lead to mortality within 24-48 hours of hospitalization, especially in children under 15 years old.
• Brain haemorrhages have been noted in severe cases.

Management and Prevention

Treatment:

• Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine available.
• Management focuses on symptomatic relief and controlling brain inflammation to reduce mortality.

Affected Regions in India:

• Historically, significant outbreaks have been reported in Maharashtra, northern Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, with high case fatality rates (CFR).

Epidemiology and Seasonality

Endemicity:

• The infection is endemic in central India, where sandfly and mosquito populations are higher.
• Outbreaks are often reported in rural, tribal, and peripheral areas, correlating with sandfly prevalence.

Seasonal Trends:

• Outbreaks are more prevalent during the monsoon season when sandfly populations increase due to environmental factors like cow dung usage in rural housing.

Changing Disease Patterns

Evolution of the Disease:

• Recent surveillance indicates changes in disease manifestation and vector behavior.
• Sandflies have been found at higher altitudes than previously observed.
• New outbreak centers have been identified, indicating evolving epidemiological patterns.