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Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes rabies, the most deadly zoonotic disease. It is transmitted by sandflies and mosquitoes, including Aedes aegypti, which is also a vector for dengue too. The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and can be transmitted to humans or domestic animals through bites of these infected insects.  The infection may lead to encephalitis and inflammation of the brain’s most active tissues. The Chandipura virus, belonging the Vesiculovirus genus, was discovered in 1965 in the blood of two individuals suffering from febrile sickness in a hamlet near Nagpur, Maharashtra. The virus usually spread by the female phlebotomine sandfly, which is abundant during the y monsoon season. Sergentomyia sandflies play a role in the virus’s spread, with Aedes aegypti being highly susceptible and effective in laboratory conditions. Chandipura infection produces encephalitis, which is the inflammation or swelling of brain tissue. However, no viral isolations from mosquitoes have been documented till date. 

Chandipura virus (CHPV): Symptoms, impact, treatment and prevention

Typical symptoms include a rapid onset of fever, vomiting, altered mental state, convulsions, diarrhoea, neurological deficits, and signs of meningeal irritation. The virus predominantly affects children under the age of 15, mostly in rural areas. Most affected children experience rapid deterioration, with deaths occurring within 48 hours of hospital admission. Enlisted below are some of the symptoms:

• Sudden fever onset
• Vomiting
• Changes in mental status
• Seizures
• Diarrhea
• Impaired neurological function (e.g., difficulty speaking, loss of balance, vision changes)
• Meningeal irritation (evidenced by symptoms such as headaches, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and seizures)

     Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for the Chandipura virus. Early diagnosis and supportive care, such as managing airways, fluid balance, and the prevention of secondary bacterial infections, are essential for patient management. Prevention strategies include vector control, identifying and eliminating sandfly breeding sites, and using protective measures to prevent sandfly bites, such as wearing protective clothing and using repellents and nets.Bottom of Form Environmental control, including proper waste disposal and sanitation, is also critical to preventing the spread of the virus. Public health authorities must take proactive measures to curb the spread of the virus and provide the necessary support and resources to the affected regions. So far, the state government of Gujarat had reported 14 deaths due to suspected CHPV infection, including one confirmed from the Aravalli district; two other deaths were reported from Morbi, along with one each from Surendranagar and Rajkot