A total of six children have been killed in Gujarat’s Aravalli district in what is suspected to be the Chandipura virus in the last five days. At least 12 cases related to the virus have been identified so far. The Gujarat government had reported that the Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection has been on the surge in the state since July 10. Reportedly, 50 teams are deployed to conduct dusting measures in the region.
Virus First Discovered In Chandipura Village In Maharashtra
Gujarat’s Health Minister Rushikesh Patel has informed that at least four out of the five cases of the Chandipura Virus have been reported from the Civil Hospital in the Himatnagar of the Sabarkantha district. All of the 12 samples uncovered from the Sabarkantha district have been sent to Pune’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) for confirmation process. It has been identified that the CHPV infection or the Chandipura vesiculovirus was first uncovered in Maharashtra’s village of Chandipura in 1965.
Symptoms Including Flu, Vomiting, Loose Motions And Headache
The infection occurs by the sting of vector-infected sandflies and several species of mosquitoes and it mainly affects and targets children aged 9 months up to the age of 14 years. The pathogen belongs to the family of Rhabdoviridae. The infection is more often observed in the rural areas. The symptoms of the disease include fever, vomiting, loose motions, and a headache, as well. The virus is said to be a serious pathogen that involves a rapid onset of its wide range of symptoms. However, the infection is not contagious in nature. According to medical experts, the disease can also lead to brain inflammation or acute encephalitis which may result in death in some cases.
Lack Of Antiviral Treatments Causes Scare
There is a scare among people due to a lack of antiviral and antipyretic treatments related to the diseases. Therefore, early diagnosis of the disease and supportive care are very crucial to combat the infection. At the same time, it is necessary to take preventive measures to control the population of the species of sandflies, ticks, and mosquitoes. Minimizing human exposure to such species is the first crucial step amidst the infection. In Gujarat, so far 9 cases have been registered in four districts. The state minister also clarified that more than 400 houses and 19000 people have been screened for the infection. Farmers in the area are advised to use preventive measures by using insecticides and pesticides. Moreover, the state health minister has urged people to remain cautious and clarified that preventive measures are being taken and there is no need to be scared.