New Delhi – A four year old girl from Mota Kanthariya village in Gujarat’s Aravalli district has died due to the Chandipura virus (CHPV), marking the first confirmed fatality in the state, according to a health department official. The girl passed away at the civil hospital in Himatnagar, Sabarkantha district. Besides her, 14 other patients have also died from suspected CHPV in Gujarat, which has reported a total of 29 cases so far.
About the Chandipura Virus
The Chandipura virus is an arbovirus from the Vesiculovirus genus in the Rhabdoviridae family. It was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura village, Maharashtra. The virus is transmitted by vectors such as phlebotomine sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks.
Symptoms
The virus causes fever, flu-like symptoms, and acute encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain and can be lethal. Children are particularly vulnerable to the Chandipura virus, though it is not considered contagious. Common symptoms include:
Headache: Severe headaches are often reported.
Fever: Sudden onset of high fever.
Vomiting: Frequent vomiting episodes.
Coma: In rare cases, the virus can lead to coma and death.
Convulsions: Seizures or convulsions can occur.
Prevention
Preventive measures focus on controlling the sandfly population and minimizing exposure. Wear long-sleeved clothing and use bed nets while sleeping. Use repellents to reduce the risk of sandfly bites. Maintain clean surroundings to eliminate potential sandfly breeding grounds.
Treatment
Currently, there is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for the Chandipura virus. Prevention of fatalities relies on early detection, hospitalization, and symptomatic care:
Hospitalization: Necessary for patients with severe symptoms.
Hydration: Ensuring proper hydration, especially in cases of severe vomiting.
Intensive Care: Required for managing severe neurological symptoms.
Antipyretics: Used to reduce fever.
Anticonvulsants: Administered to control seizures.
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