The Chandipura virus

The Chandipura virus

Context

Gujarat is currently facing its most severe outbreak of the Chandipura virus and viral encephalitis, with a death toll that has already reached 73 people.

• The outbreak, which began last month, has spread rapidly across the state, affecting over 160 individuals.
• Among the infected, the majority of cases have been found in children under the age of 15, who are particularly vulnerable to this disease.

Relevance:
GS-02 GS-03 (health, Environment)

Key Highlights:

• Geographical Spread: The disease has spread across more than two dozen districts in Gujarat, including major cities such as Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Vadodara. Cases have also been reported from neighboring states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• State Response: The Gujarat health department has initiated large-scale surveillance and vector control measures, including the spraying of pesticides like Malathion in mud houses and cattle sheds. Despite these efforts, the outbreak has not been contained, and the situation remains critical.
• Historical Comparison: This outbreak is being compared to a similar one in Andhra Pradesh in 2003, where 329 children were affected, and 183 died, highlighting the severity of the current situation in Gujarat.

What is Chandipura Virus?

• The Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a viral pathogen that can cause severe inflammation of the brain, known as acute encephalitis. It belongs to the genus Vesiculovirus and is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family.
• The virus has a single-stranded RNA genome with negative polarity and a size of about 11 kilobases.
• It encodes five structural proteins: nucleocapsid protein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), glycoprotein (G), and large structural protein (L). These proteins are produced in the form of five monocistronic mRNAs.
• CHPV is transmitted primarily through vectors such as sand flies, ticks, and mosquitoes.
• It is most prevalent in India during the monsoon season, when these vectors are abundant.
• While the exact mechanism by which the virus enters the brain and causes encephalitis is not fully understood, it is believed that the virus is introduced into the human body through the bite of an infected insect.
• Once inside the body, the virus can quickly spread to the brain, leading to severe neurological complications.

Its Effects, Symptoms, and Treatment

• Acute Encephalitis: The Chandipura virus primarily causes acute encephalitis, a serious condition characterized by inflammation of the brain. This can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fever, confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, coma and death.
• Symptoms: The initial symptoms of CHPV infection are often similar to those of the flu, including fever, body aches, and fatigue. However, the disease can progress rapidly, leading to encephalitis within 24 to 48 hours. Without prompt treatment, this can result in coma and death, particularly in children under the age of 15, who are most vulnerable to the virus.
• High Mortality Rate: The rapid progression of the disease and its impact on the brain make it particularly deadly. The current outbreak in Gujarat has resulted in a high mortality rate, with 73 deaths reported so far.

Treatment:

• Symptomatic Management: There is no specific antiviral treatment available for the Chandipura virus. Management of the disease is primarily symptomatic, focusing on relieving the symptoms and supporting the body’s vital functions. This includes the use of medications to reduce fever, control seizures, and manage pain.
• Timely Referral: Early detection and timely referral of suspected cases to designated healthcare facilities are crucial in improving outcomes. Supportive care in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting may be necessary for severe cases.
• Prevention: The only effective measures against the Chandipura virus are preventive in nature. These include vector control, maintaining good hygiene, and raising awareness about the disease. Vector control efforts involve reducing the population of sand flies, mosquitoes, and ticks through the use of insecticides and by eliminating breeding grounds.

Way Forward

• Enhanced Surveillance: Continuous and widespread surveillance is necessary to identify new cases early and monitor the spread of the virus. This includes expanding surveillance efforts to cover all districts and potentially affected areas, as well as ensuring that healthcare facilities are equipped to handle suspected cases.
• Strengthening Vector Control: Vector control measures must be intensified to reduce the population of sand flies, mosquitoes, and other vectors that transmit the virus. This includes regular spraying of insecticides in affected areas, especially in mud houses and cattle sheds where sand flies are known to breed.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the Chandipura virus and its symptoms is crucial in encouraging people to seek medical attention early. Public health campaigns should focus on educating communities about the importance of maintaining good hygiene, using insect repellents, and avoiding areas with high vector populations.
• Research and Development: There is a need for further research to better understand the Chandipura virus, including its transmission mechanisms and potential treatment options. Investment in research could lead to the development of a specific antiviral treatment or a vaccine, which would significantly reduce the impact of future outbreaks.