Gujarat is on alert after three children died and four others were put on ventilator support due to the Chandipura virus within the past two weeks. Since July 1, the state has confirmed seven cases of the virus in children, while 32 suspected cases have also been reported. According to Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, all the confirmed patients are below the age of 10. The virus is spread through the bite of infected sandflies and can quickly affect the brain within 48 to 72 hours. As there is no vaccine or specific treatment available, early medical care is very important. Here’s everything you need to know about the Chandipura virus, its symptoms and how to stay safe.
What Is The Chandipura Virus And How Does It Spread?
The Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a rare virus that belongs to the same family as the rabies virus, but it causes a different illness. It spreads mainly through the bite of infected sandflies, which are tiny insects usually found near thick vegetation, animal shelters, damp places and areas with poor sanitation. Most outbreaks in India have happened during or after the monsoon season, when sandflies are more active. According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the virus has caused several outbreaks in western and central India over the years.
Why Are Children The Most At Risk From Chandipura Virus?
Children below the age of 15 years are more likely to develop severe illness from the Chandipura virus because their immune system and brain are still developing. According to Dr Manju Kedarnath, Senior Consultant and Clinical Lead in Paediatrics at KIMS Hospitals, Bengaluru, the infection spreads very quickly in the body, making early diagnosis extremely important. In the current Gujarat outbreak, all seven confirmed patients are children below the age of 10. Three have died, while four are on ventilator support.
What Are The Symptoms Of Chandipura Virus That Parents Must Never Ignore?
The illness usually starts with a high fever, severe headache, nausea and tiredness. However, it can quickly become serious and affect the brain. Within a short time, a child may become confused, unusually sleepy or develop seizures. Dr Kedarnath advises parents to seek immediate medical help if a child develops:
•   High fever above 101°F, especially during the monsoon
•   Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
•   Convulsions or seizures
•   Confusion or unusual behaviour
•   Reduced alertness or unconsciousness
Without quick treatment, the illness can lead to coma or even death within 48 to 72 hours.
Is There Any Treatment Or Vaccine For Chandipura Virus?
There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral medicine available for the Chandipura virus. Doctors say early hospital treatment and supportive care are the best ways to improve a patient’s chances of recovery. The virus has a high fatality rate, with studies suggesting that 56 to 75 percent of infected patients have died during previous outbreaks. This is why doctors advise parents not to ignore the symptoms or wait for them to improve on their own.
How Can Parents Protect Their Children From Chandipura Virus?
Since the virus spreads through sandfly bites, preventing bites is the best way to stay safe. Doctors recommend:
•   Dressing children in full sleeved clothes
•   Using child safe insect repellents
•   Making children sleep under insecticide treated mosquito nets, where needed
•   Keeping homes and surroundings clean
•   Removing garbage and avoiding damp areas where sandflies breed
Parents living in or travelling to areas where sandflies are common should be extra careful, especially during and after the monsoon. In Karnataka, the government has identified Bagalkote, Bidar, Vijayapura, Dakshina Kannada, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Yadgir as districts where sandflies are commonly found, and extra precautions are advised during the rainy season.
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