What is the Chandipura virus that has already claimed the lives of 6 children in Gujarat?

A health scare has gripped Gujarat after six children tragically succumbed to a suspected viral infection since July 10. While the cause is yet to be confirmed, State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel has stated that Chandipura virus is a strong possibility.

Twelve cases have been identified across the state, with four reported in Sabarkantha district, three in Aravalli, and one each in Mahisagar and Kheda districts. Notably, two patients from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh also received treatment in Gujarat. Samples from all 12 patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for definitive diagnosis, said Minister Patel.

Five of the six deaths occurred at the civil hospital in Himatnagar, Sabarkantha district. It was there that paediatricians first suspected Chandipura and sent samples from four deceased children for testing. Sadly, four more children at the hospital subsequently developed similar symptoms. However, as the Health Minister emphasised, confirmation of the Chandipura virus can only come after test results are received.

But what is this Chandipura virus?

Chandipura vesiculovirus or CHPV is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family that is associated with an encephalitic illness — which manifests as inflammation of the brain — in humans.

The Chandipura virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies, causes fever and symptoms similar to the flu. Interestingly, the virus is not considered contagious from person to person and has never been detected in any humans outside India.

This mysterious virus was first detected in the blood of two patients from Maharashtra’s Chandipura village back in 1965. Since then, the virus has been linked to various unexplained outbreaks of encephalitis in the country. Recent ones include one in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra in 2003, where 329 children were affected and 183 of them died. Similar cases were observed in children in Gujarat in the following year, in 2004.

Given previous trends, the Chandipura virus seems to have a high mortality rate of over 50%.

Accordingly, authorities are taking swift action to contain the situation. Intensive surveillance has been undertaken in the affected areas, Minister Patel stated. Over 18,600 people across 4,400 households have been screened for the virus and the Health Department is working tirelessly to prevent further spread of the disease.

The state awaits confirmation from the NIV to guide further action. This incident highlights the importance of preventive measures against mosquito-borne illnesses, especially during the monsoon season.