Here Comes Another Virus: What is The Chandipura Virus?

Chandipura is actually the name of a village in Maharashtra, India. However, a new virus has been named as the Chandipura virus. Why so?

Well, the rationale lies in the fact that the Chandipura virus is a virus that has been identified for the first time in this village only. Till now, the virus has become the cause of death of over 15 children in the state of Gujarat. It is also alarming to note that the number of people who have been infected from the Chandipura virus have also gone up to 29. Is the virus dangerous, and should the county be ready to deal with yet another deadly virus? 

Here is all we know till now.

Dr Shreya Dubey, who is a Consultant at Neonatology and Paediatrics at the CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon shares that the misinterpretation of the symptoms is increasingly becoming on of the key reasons for the fatal results of the viral infection in children. 

"Children's immune systems are less developed than adults, thus they might not be able to fight off the virus as well," says the doctor.

"The virus can induce encephalitis, or brain inflammation, which swiftly advances to severe neurological symptoms," the doctor says. She further explained that the Chandipura virus does not have any specific antiviral treatment, and thus, supportive care is important. However, this care is insufficient in the cases of severe situations.

Are sandflies to be blamed?

The Phlebotomus papatasi species of sandflies are to be blamed for the situation. These insects serve as vectors for the virus in Chandipura. They actually transfer the Chandipura virus to humans from an infected source.

Dr. Dubey warns to "avoid sandfly bites." She further says that insect repellent should be applied to the exposed skin. Moreover, in order to protect oneself from the attack of the insect, long sleeves should be worn. The doctor further says that bed nets should be used while sleeping, in order to decrease the chances of getting infected.

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The Early Signs of the Chandipura virus 

The symptoms of the Chandipura virus can show up really quick, and thus, it is important to catch them as early as possible. There are some key signs and symptoms that one needs to look for in order to get medical aid as soon as possible. Rapid development of fever is one of the key signs. Then, the patient might also complain of severe headaches. Another important symptom found in the infected people is frequent vomiting. Additionally, seizures and convulsions are also common in the infected people. Not to miss, people who get infected by the Chandipura virus may also develop neurological signs such as confusion, sleepiness, and agitation. Sometimes, frequent unconsciousness may also become a sign.

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