Chandipura Virus (CHPV) Infection (GS Paper 2, Health)
Overview:
Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a single-stranded RNA virus from the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the lyssavirus responsible for rabies.
Recently, the virus has caused the death of six children in Gujarat, with 12 suspected cases reported.
Transmission:
CHPV is primarily transmitted through bites from infected sandflies, particularly Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, as well as some mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti (also a vector for dengue).
The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and can be transmitted to humans and other vertebrates through bites. CHPV is not contagious between humans.
Symptoms:
Initial Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms including acute onset of fever, body ache, and headache.
Severe Symptoms: The infection can progress to more severe neurological symptoms such as altered sensorium, seizures, and encephalitis. Other symptoms reported include respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, and anemia.
Rapid Progression: Once encephalitis develops, the disease progresses rapidly, often leading to death within 24-48 hours of hospitalization. The infection primarily affects children under the age of 15.
Management:
Current Status: There is no specific antiretroviral therapy or vaccine available for CHPV infection.
Symptomatic Treatment: Management involves symptomatic treatment, focusing on reducing brain inflammation to prevent mortality.
Affected Regions:
Initial Identification: CHPV was first identified in 1965 in Maharashtra during an investigation of a dengue/chikungunya outbreak.
Major Outbreaks: Significant outbreaks occurred in 2003-04 in Maharashtra, northern Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, resulting in over 300 child deaths.
Endemic Areas: The virus remains endemic to central India, particularly in rural, tribal, and peripheral areas where sandflies and mosquitoes are prevalent.
Seasonal Outbreaks: Outbreaks are more common during the monsoon season when sandfly populations increase.
Sandflies:
Characteristics: Sandflies, the primary vectors for CHPV, are small flies about a quarter of the size of mosquitoes. They thrive in warm, rural, and forested areas.
Other Diseases: Sandflies are also known to transmit leishmaniasis, an infectious disease caused by a protozoan parasite.
Behavioral Changes: Recent surveillance has noted changes in sandfly behavior, with sightings at higher altitudes than usual.
Conclusion:
Chandipura virus infection poses a significant health threat, particularly to children in rural and endemic areas of central India.
The lack of specific treatment or vaccines makes early detection and symptomatic management crucial.
Effective control of vector populations and enhanced surveillance, especially during the monsoon season, are vital in preventing outbreaks and reducing mortality.
Public health initiatives should focus on educating communities about the risk factors and prevention methods to mitigate the impact of CHPV.
