‘Don’t panic on Chandipura virus, it’s not contagious’, says Guj health minister
Updated: Jul 15th, 2024
Health Minister Rishikesh Patel today stated that there is no need to panic about the Chandipura viral encephalitis disease (CHPV), but it is necessary to take precautions. “This is not a new disease. It is commonly seen during the monsoon season, particularly in rural areas,” said Patel.
How does Chandipura virus spread? What are the symptoms?
According to the minister, the disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected sand fly and primarily affects children aged 9 months to 14 years. The main symptoms are high-grade fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and seizures. If these symptoms are observed in children, immediate medical consultation is advised.
Chandipura cases in Gujarat
Patel informed about the current status of the disease in the state. So far, there have been 12 suspected cases of Chandipura in the state. Out of these, 6 patients are currently under treatment.
The cases include 4 in Sabarkantha district, 3 in Aravalli district, 1 in Mahisagar district, 1 in Kheda district, 2 patients from Rajasthan, and 1 patient from Madhya Pradesh who received treatment in Gujarat, making a total of 12 suspected cases. All samples have been sent to the Pune laboratory for examination, with results expected within 12 to 15 days.
The minister stated that there have been 6 suspected deaths due to Chandipura virus in the state. Confirmation will be made after the sample results are received.
He also mentioned that Chandipura disease is not contagious, but intensive surveillance was instructed in the affected areas at an early stage.
As a result, a total of 18,646 individuals in 4,487 households have been screened, and insecticides have been sprayed in 2,093 households to control the sand fly population.
The state health department is working round the clock to prevent the spread of this disease as a precautionary measure. Minister Patel urged citizens not to panic but to remain cautious. He advised seeking examination and treatment at the nearest hospital if primary symptoms appear.
First recorded case of Chandipura virus
It is noteworthy that the epidemic of CHPV with fever symptoms was first recorded in 1965 in the Chandipura district of Maharashtra.
Subsequently, outbreaks have been reported in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and other states. This virus belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus. Every year, cases of this disease are observed in Gujarat, especially in the northern and central districts.
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