Ahmedabad, July 24, 2024 (PTI): Fears are growing over the Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat with the state registering a shocking number of 38 children below 15 years succumbing to the virus, while confirmed cases have spiked to about 101. Falling under the rhabdoviridae vesiculovirus genus which is closely related to rabies virus family, Chandipura virus has sparked renewed health concerns across the region.
During monsoon season this disease can typically be found and it is transferred through female phlebotomine sand flies. The infection presents severe symptoms such as acute encephalitis. Those affected will experience rapid regression which is characterized by flu-like symptoms that are followed by brain inflammation, coma and at times fatality within 24-48 hours if immediate medical attention is not sought.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the matter, the Gujarat government recently stepped up surveillance measures as well as response mechanisms. They have sent samples from infected persons to National Institute of Virology in Pune where two deaths were directly confirmed as being caused by Chandipura virus. This thus made state’s health authorities increase their efforts treating this epidemic as an emergency situation for encephalitis.
However, Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel emphasizes that the sand flies are mainly located in rural areas, although there have been alarming reports coming from urban centers like Ahmedabad indicating an increasing spread of the virus. Currently, Aravalli and Sabarkantha districts are receiving support from epidemiologists to minimize further transmission while over 11,000 households are being surveyed intensively and restricted use of insecticides is being done in areas that are affected.
As such, early recognition and management of symptoms should be prioritized as no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine exists. Therefore, the state protocol for health in Gujarat demands a comprehensive approach towards disease control which consists of using Malathion powder in houses and cattle sheds besides strict sanitary measures to check mosquito and sandfly breeding.
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For this reason, keeping up with public health directives regarding Chandipura virus outbreak through compliance with guidelines provided by Gujarat Health Department still remains essential for residents across the area.
The residents are also advised to refer to official health bulletins for more information on what steps they should take.
Report By: Sonali Sarkar
Publish By: YourNewsSources