What is Chandipura virus?
- Classification: Belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, genus Vesiculovirus.
- Discovery: First identified in 1965 in Chandipura village, Maharashtra.
- Transmission: Mainly through sandflies (Phlebotomus papatasi), but also mosquitoes and ticks.
Epidemiology:
- Mainly reported in India but has also been detected in other parts of South Asia.
- It is associated with encephalitis outbreak in endemic regions.
Symptoms & Disease Progression
- Rapid onset: High fever, vomiting, seizures, altered consciousness.
- Fatality: Death can occur within 24–48 hours of symptom onset.
- Target group: Mostly children aged 2 months to 15 years.
Pathogenesis:
- Target the central nervous system (CNS), causing encephalitis.
- Associated with high viral replication in the brain.
Diagnosis:
- Laboratory tests include:
RT-PCR for detecting viral RNA.
Serology(ELISA) for antibodies (IgM, IgG).
Virus isolation from blood or CSF.
- Neuroimaging may show signs of encephalitis.
Treatment:
- No specific antiviral drugs; supportive care is the only option.
- Vaccine candidates: Recombinant and inactivated vaccines are under development but not yet available.
Prevention & Control
- Vector control: Insecticidal spraying, fumigation, and elimination of breeding sites.
- Personal protection: Use of bed nets, repellents, and protective clothing.
- Community awareness: Education campaigns on symptoms and prevention.
- Healthcare response: Early detection, supportive care, and referral to specialized facilities.
With no vaccine currently available, vector control is our best defense. Have you ever encountered sandfly-borne health alerts in your region??
