Chikungunya cases double in Gujarat; encephalitis threat looms large

Updated: Sep 11th, 2024

Chikungunya in Gujarat

Cases of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya have significantly increased in Gujarat following intensifying weather across the state.

Chikungunya cases have doubled compared to the previous year, raising concerns among health experts. A particular concern is the potential for chikungunya to lead to encephalitis, which can cause damage to organs like the brain and kidneys.

Typically, chikungunya cases are ten times fewer than those of dengue. However, this year, there were 30% more chikungunya cases as compared to dengue.

As of June 2024, 189 cases of chikungunya have been officially reported.

Healthcare professionals suspect that the actual number of chikungunya cases is far higher than the reported figures. The monsoon season has contributed to a rapid surge in cases, doubling the pace of infections.

In Ahmedabad alone, there are approximately 1,000 private hospitals. Out of an average of 50 daily patients, six to eight report fever-related symptoms. Every day, around 6,000 patients visit hospitals across the city, and of these, 1,000 are suspected to have either dengue or chikungunya. Additionally, 10% of fever patients are admitted over further complications.

Doctors have also reported cases where patients with chikungunya are presenting symptoms of encephalitis. These patients exhibit typical chikungunya symptoms like fever, joint pain, and rashes, but after a week, inflammation may reach the brain. This can cause symptoms such as weakness, excessive drowsiness, difficulty walking, and urinary issues.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the surge in mosquito-borne diseases continues to strain healthcare facilities across Gujarat.

Year
Suspected
Confirmed
2018
10,601
1,290
2019
8,084
669
2020
8,120
1,061
2021
32,372
4,044
2022
20,855
1,046
2023
24,124
513
2024
8,437
189

Encephalitis linked to chikungunya

While there have been no reported cases in Gujarat where chikungunya has directly impacted the brain, similar cases have been observed in Delhi and Maharashtra. In these instances, patients have required four to five days, and in severe cases, eight to ten days of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. Brain scans revealed inflammation in these patients, leading to a prolonged recovery period.

A sample from a patient in Delhi displaying similar symptoms was sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for analysis. Experts are investigating whether the virus has mutated or if a new strain of chikungunya is responsible.

Though cases of encephalitis linked to chikungunya are rare in India, the condition, known as Guillain-Barré syndrome, can severely impact the nervous system, leading to extreme weakness and even paralysis. Some patients have reported sudden falls due to muscle weakness.

Dr Mukesh Maheshwari, vice president of the Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA), noted, “We have observed a significant increase in chikungunya cases this year compared to the previous year. Until June, chikungunya cases were relatively low, but there has been a worrying spike in August and September. Typically, chikungunya cases are about one-tenth of dengue cases, but this year we are seeing a rise in chikungunya as well. Cases have increased by more than 30% compared to last year.”

Also read:

Gujarat’s aim to be malaria-free state stung by 6 lakh cases

AMC on toes as waterborne diseases on a rise under sweltering summers

Dengue claimed 28 lives in three years in Gujarat

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