Twenty-two children have died during a Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat, according to state Health Minister Praful Pansheriya. All reported patients are younger than 15 years. Seven patients remain under treatment, while six have recovered and been discharged.
How quickly can an uncommon viral infection become life-threatening for children?
Gujarat has reported the deaths of 22 children associated with Chandipura virus infection since the first week of July, according to state Health Minister Praful Pansheriya.
All the patients identified during the outbreak are younger than 15 years. Seven children who tested positive are receiving treatment at civil hospitals, while six others have recovered and been discharged.
The state reported 184 suspected cases as of August 3. Of these, 35 were confirmed as Chandipura virus infections, while laboratory results for 11 suspected cases were pending.
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What Is Chandipura Virus?
Chandipura virus, also known as Chandipura vesiculovirus, is a member of the Rhabdoviridae virus family. It can cause acute encephalitis syndrome, a serious condition involving inflammation of the brain.(1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Acute encephalitis syndrome due to Chandipura virus – India
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The virus was first identified in India and has caused sporadic infections and outbreaks in western, central and southern parts of the country. Cases are reported more frequently during the monsoon season, when conditions favour the growth of insects capable of carrying the virus.
Children younger than 15 years are particularly vulnerable. Earlier outbreaks in India have shown that the illness can progress rapidly, sometimes causing severe neurological complications within 48 to 72 hours after symptoms begin.
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Chandipura Virus Spreads Primarily Through Infected Sandflies
Chandipura virus is a vector-borne infection. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected insects, particularly sandflies.
The World Health Organization also identifies mosquitoes and ticks as potential vectors. In Gujarat, the sandfly species Phlebotomus papatasi has been reported as an important carrier of the virus.(1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Acute encephalitis syndrome due to Chandipura virus – India
Poor housing conditions, cracks in mud walls, unmanaged waste and open drainage may create breeding or resting places for sandflies. No person-to-person transmission of Chandipura virus has been documented.
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Chandipura Virus Symptoms Can Progress Rapidly
The infection may initially resemble other common viral illnesses, but it can quickly affect the brain and nervous system.
Parents and caregivers should watch for symptoms including:
- Sudden fever
- Severe headache
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Drowsiness or altered awareness
- Confusion or abnormal behavior
- Convulsions or seizures
- Weakness or neurological problems
- Neck stiffness or signs of meningeal irritation
- Loss of consciousness
A child experiencing fever accompanied by vomiting, seizures, unusual drowsiness or altered behavior needs immediate medical evaluation. Delayed treatment may increase the risk of severe complications.
No Specific Vaccine or Antiviral Treatment Is Available
There is currently no approved vaccine to prevent Chandipura virus infection and no specific antiviral medicine to cure it.
Treatment focuses on intensive supportive care, including managing fever, seizures, breathing difficulties, blood pressure and fluid balance.Children with severe encephalitis may require treatment in an intensive care unit, oxygen support or mechanical ventilation.
The WHO emphasises that “early access to care and supportive treatment can improve disease outcome.”
Early recognition, urgent referral and timely supportive treatment can improve a child’s chances of survival. Parents should not wait for symptoms to resolve at home when neurological warning signs are present.
Children Receiving Specialized Hospital Treatment
Children affected by the outbreak are receiving specialized treatment at hospitals in Gandhinagar, Himmat Nagar, Patan, Rajkot and Bhavnagar, according to the state health minister.(1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Acute encephalitis syndrome due to Chandipura virus – India
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The cases have not been restricted to one village or locality, suggesting that surveillance and preventive measures are needed across multiple affected areas.
Health authorities are monitoring suspected cases and conducting laboratory testing to confirm whether acute encephalitis symptoms are caused by Chandipura virus or another infection.
Gujarat Intensifies Vector Control in Affected Areas
The Gujarat Health Department has instructed local authorities to fill cracks in mud houses, where sandflies may breed or rest. Intensive insecticide spraying is also being conducted in affected areas, including locations where animal husbandry is common.
“The Health Department has been advised to fill up cracks in mud houses,” Pansheriya said.
Vector-control measures are intended to reduce contact between children and insects capable of transmitting the virus. Health teams are also working to identify suspected cases and refer severely ill children to designated hospitals.(1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Acute encephalitis syndrome due to Chandipura virus – India
According to the WHO, vector control and protection from insect bites remain the most important ways to reduce transmission.
Early Hospital Care Remains Critical
Chandipura virus infection can progress much faster than many common childhood illnesses. Fever and vomiting may be followed by seizures, altered consciousness and acute inflammation of the brain.
Because no specific medicine or vaccine is available, early detection and supportive hospital care remain central to preventing severe outcomes.
The Gujarat health minister has urged parents to take children with fever, vomiting, convulsions or other serious symptoms to the nearest government district hospital without delay.
References:
- Acute encephalitis syndrome due to Chandipura virus – India- (https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON529)
Source-Medindia