According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the current outbreak of Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection in India is considered the largest in the past 20 years.
Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)
- About: AES or Japanese Encephalitis, also known as ‘Chamki Fever’ or Litchi Virus in India, is an umbrella term used for infections that cause inflammation, irritation or swelling in the brain.
- Affected Population: It mostly affects people below 15 years.
- Causative Agents of AES
- Viruses are the primary causative agents of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).
- Example: Herpes simplex virus, Nipah virus, Zika virus, Influenza A virus, West Nile virus, Chandipura virus, mumps, measles, dengue, are found as causative agents for AES.
- Complications of AES: AES complications may include memory loss, coma and even death.
- Prevention: AES is not preventable through vaccination.
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About Chandipura Virus
- Classification: The Chandipura Virus is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family.
- This family also includes the rabies virus.
- Impact of the Virus: The Virus is known for causing sporadic cases and outbreaks of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in western, central, and southern India, especially during the monsoon seasons.
- First Identified: The Virus was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura, a village in Maharashtra.
- Type: Chandipura virus is an enveloped RNA virus.
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- Found in: Since the virus was first discovered in India in 1965, most of the cases have been restricted to the Indian subcontinent.
- However, the geographical distribution of the virus extends beyond India.
- It was detected in sandflies in west Africa in 1991 and 1992, and in hedgehogs in Senegal (1990-96).
- Antibodies to the Chandipura virus have also been found in wild monkeys in Sri Lanka in 1993.
- Although no human cases have been observed outside India.
- Transmission Vectors:
- Primary Vector: Female Phlebotomine sandfly.
- Additional vectors: Mosquitoes, and ticks.
- Transmission Mechanism: The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and can be transmitted to humans or other vertebrates through bites.
- Key Symptoms: Typical clinical manifestations includes fever, headaches, fatigue, body and muscle aches, vomiting, and convulsions.
- Affects: The Chandipura virus has been found to mostly affect children under the age of 15, predominantly in rural locations.
- Case Fatality Ratio: The case fatality ratio is high, ranging from 56-75%.
- Treatment: There is no specific antiviral agent to treat Chandipura virus and there is no vaccine available as of yet.
- Recent Outbreak: This is not the first outbreak of Chandipura virus in the country: there were outbreaks in 2003-04 in parts of central India including Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh that caused the deaths of over 300 children.
- Since July 2024, 28 children have succumbed to the virus in Gujarat, according to the State Health Minister.
- Importance of Early Care: According to the WHO, early access to care and intensive supportive care can increase survival rates.
- Government Initiatives: The government has launched a drive across the state for vector control and containment of the Chandipura virus.
- Malathion Powder (a type of Pesticide) is being sprinkled in the villages for disease control.
Prevention of Chandipura Virus
- Vector Control:
- Identify and eliminate sandfly breeding sites.
- Spray insecticides in affected areas.
- Maintain sanitation and environmental control, including proper waste storage and disposal.
- Prevent open air defecation.
- Use fly paper to capture flies.
- Breeding Sites:Inspect and address holes and crevices in walls, dark rooms, stables, and storerooms.
- Bite Prevention: Wear protective clothing, Use insect repellents, Employ mosquito nets etc.
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National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP)
- Administering Body: The National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) oversees the NVBDCP.
- Diseases Covered: Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Dengue, Chikungunya, Kala-azar, and Lymphatic Filariasis
- Elimination Targets: Out of them three diseases namely, Malaria, Lymphatic Filariasis and Kala-azar are targeted for elimination.
- Outbreak-Prone and Climate-Sensitive Diseases: Malaria, Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis (JE)
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- States/UTs: Responsible for implementing the NVBDCP.
- NCVBDC: Provides technical and financial assistance, including cash and commodities, under the National Health Mission (NHM) scheme.
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August 29, 2024
