An alarming public health crisis has emerged in western India as a severe outbreak of the Chandipura virus (CHPV) claims the lives of 22 children in Gujarat, with mounting cross-border cases and heightened surveillance reported in neighboring Rajasthan. State health officials confirmed that out of 184 suspected cases tested during the monsoon season, 35 have laboratory-confirmed infections, all affecting children under 15.


Rajasthan chandipura virus scare | Gujarat: 22 kids die from chandipura virus 

The Indian government's health ministry on Wednesday (Aug 5) deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to strengthen the response to the ongoing Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV) outbreak, which has claimed lives of at least 22 children in&nbsp;the state. The Centre has also stepped up disease surveillance, scientific investigations and testing in the affected districts to better understand and contain the outbreak, the ministry said in a statement. Further, the statement added that the team will supplement the efforts of the two state governments in outbreak investigation, epidemiological assessment, clinical management, laboratory coordination, vector surveillance, and implementation of public health measures. Centre also said that its team will work closely with the state health departments to review the on-ground response and submit recommendations to the ministry after completing its field assessment, officials said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-valid-insurance-no-petrol-supreme-court-s-proposal-tackle-road-accidents-explained-1785901631992">No valid insurance, no petrol: Supreme Court's proposal to tackle road accidents EXPLAINED</a><h2>What is Chandipura virus?</h2>The name of the virus - Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV) - comes from a village in Maharashtra, where the first case of this infection was diagnosed in 1965. It is an RNA virus. The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae. The virus causes fever and symptoms that are similar to flu and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies. Experts have noted that the primary vectors are sandflies, which can live in cracks in walls and in portions of mud- or sand-built dwellings. The primary targets of this virus are children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-children-dead-35-infected-india-s-gujarat-faces-chandipura-virus-outbreak-experts-explain-symptoms-1785803642790">22 children dead, 35 infected: India's Gujarat faces Chandipura virus outbreak — Experts explain symptoms</a><h2>What expert said?</h2>Doctors said that children are more susceptible and the risk increases in the rainy season. She confirmed that there is currently no approved vaccine available to prevent Chandipura Virus (CHPV) infection. She weighed in on the symptoms and said, “This virus initially causes fever, vomiting, loose motion, and other viral-like symptoms, but in addition, it also causes swelling in the brain called encephalitis, leading toconvulsions, altered sensorium, delusion, unconsciousness episodes and seizures.” "So all these symptoms can be there because of the involvement of the brain with this virus," she explained. Notably, the virus does not transfer from person to person and is not contagious.

Centre has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to Gujarat and Rajasthan as the Chandipura virus outbreak claims 22 children in Gujarat. CHPV, spread by sandflies, mainly affects children and can cause fatal encephalitis. There is no approved vaccine, experts warn.

The Indian government's health ministry on Wednesday (Aug 5) deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to strengthen the response to the ongoing Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV) outbreak, which has claimed lives of at least 22 children in the state. The Centre has also stepped up disease surveillance, scientific investigations and testing in the affected districts to better understand and contain the outbreak, the ministry said in a statement. Further, the statement added that the team will supplement the efforts of the two state governments in outbreak investigation, epidemiological assessment, clinical management, laboratory coordination, vector surveillance, and implementation of public health measures. Centre also said that its team will work closely with the state health departments to review the on-ground response and submit recommendations to the ministry after completing its field assessment, officials said. Also Read: No valid insurance, no petrol: Supreme Court's proposal to tackle road accidents EXPLAINED What is Chandipura virus? The name of the virus - Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV) - comes from a village in Maharashtra, where the first case of this infection was diagnosed in 1965. It is an RNA virus. The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae. The virus causes fever and symptoms that are similar to flu and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies. Experts have noted that the primary vectors are sandflies, which can live in cracks in walls and in portions of mud- or sand-built dwellings. The primary targets of this virus are children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years. Also Read: 22 children dead, 35 infected: India's Gujarat faces Chandipura virus outbreak — Experts explain symptoms What expert said? Doctors said that children are more susceptible and the risk increases in the rainy season. She confirmed that there is currently no approved vaccine available to prevent Chandipura Virus (CHPV) infection. She weighed in on the symptoms and said, “This virus initially causes fever, vomiting, loose motion, and other viral-like symptoms, but in addition, it also causes swelling in the brain called encephalitis, leading toconvulsions, altered sensorium, delusion, unconsciousness episodes and seizures.” "So all these symptoms can be there because of the involvement of the brain with this virus," she explained. Notably, the virus does not transfer from person to person and is not contagious.

Centre has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to Gujarat and Rajasthan as the Chandipura virus outbreak claims 22 children in Gujarat. CHPV, spread by sandflies, mainly affects children and can cause fatal encephalitis. There is no approved vaccine, experts warn.

India deploys joint outbreak response team as Chandipura virus spreads in Gujarat, Rajasthan

The Gujarat health department has been placed on high alert after 35 tested positive for the Chandipura virus outbreak. Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said that out of 184 suspected cases reported across various districts among children under 15 years old, 11 test results remain pending, while 22 have died. The health minister has also said that seven positive patients are receiving super-specialist care in civil hospitals across Gandhinagar, Sabarkantha-Himatnagar, Patan, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar, while six patients have recovered and been discharged.&nbsp;Explaining about the contingency plan, the health department explained that ground teams have been deployed to execute strict preventive measures. The health department has advised residents to seal cracks in mud walls and has initiated intensive insecticide spraying around cattle-rearing zones to eliminate vectors. Additionally, public and private pediatric facilities have been directed to immediately admit patients with symptoms into ICU beds equipped with oxygen and ventilators to avoid severe conditions like multiple organ failure.<h2>What is Chandipura virus?</h2>The name of the virus - Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV) - comes from a village in Maharashtra, where the first case of this infection was diagnosed in 1965. It is an RNA virus. The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae. &nbsp;The virus causes fever and symptoms that are similar to flu and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies. Experts have noted that the primary vectors are sandflies, which can live in cracks in walls and in portions of mud- or sand-built dwellings. The primary targets of this virus are children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years.<h2>What expert said?</h2>Speaking to WION, Dr Neha Khan, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, from Bihar's Patna said that children are more susceptible and the risk increases in the rainy season. She confirmed that there is currently no approved vaccine available to prevent Chandipura Virus (CHPV) infection. She weighed in on the symptoms and said, “This virus initially causes fever, vomiting, loose motion, and other viral-like symptoms, but in addition, it also causes swelling in the brain called encephalitis, leading toconvulsions, altered sensorium, delusion, unconsciousness episodes and seizures.” "So all these symptoms can be there because of the involvement of the brain with this virus," she explained. Notably, the virus does not transfer from person to person and is not contagious.

Gujarat’s Chandipura virus outbreak has killed 22 children, with 35 infections confirmed so far. The virus, which primarily affects children, can cause acute encephalitis and severe neurological complications. Health authorities are monitoring cases and strengthening surveillance.

The Gujarat health department has been placed on high alert after 35 tested positive for the Chandipura virus outbreak. Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said that out of 184 suspected cases reported across various districts among children under 15 years old, 11 test results remain pending, while 22 have died. The health minister has also said that seven positive patients are receiving super-specialist care in civil hospitals across Gandhinagar, Sabarkantha-Himatnagar, Patan, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar, while six patients have recovered and been discharged. Explaining about the contingency plan, the health department explained that ground teams have been deployed to execute strict preventive measures. The health department has advised residents to seal cracks in mud walls and has initiated intensive insecticide spraying around cattle-rearing zones to eliminate vectors. Additionally, public and private pediatric facilities have been directed to immediately admit patients with symptoms into ICU beds equipped with oxygen and ventilators to avoid severe conditions like multiple organ failure. What is Chandipura virus? The name of the virus - Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV) - comes from a village in Maharashtra, where the first case of this infection was diagnosed in 1965. It is an RNA virus. The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae. The virus causes fever and symptoms that are similar to flu and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies. Experts have noted that the primary vectors are sandflies, which can live in cracks in walls and in portions of mud- or sand-built dwellings. The primary targets of this virus are children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years. What expert said? Speaking to WION, Dr Neha Khan, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, from Bihar's Patna said that children are more susceptible and the risk increases in the rainy season. She confirmed that there is currently no approved vaccine available to prevent Chandipura Virus (CHPV) infection. She weighed in on the symptoms and said, “This virus initially causes fever, vomiting, loose motion, and other viral-like symptoms, but in addition, it also causes swelling in the brain called encephalitis, leading toconvulsions, altered sensorium, delusion, unconsciousness episodes and seizures.” "So all these symptoms can be there because of the involvement of the brain with this virus," she explained. Notably, the virus does not transfer from person to person and is not contagious.

Gujarat’s Chandipura virus outbreak has killed 22 children, with 35 infections confirmed so far. The virus, which primarily affects children, can cause acute encephalitis and severe neurological complications. Health authorities are monitoring cases and strengthening surveillance.

22 children dead, 35 infected: India's Gujarat faces Chandipura virus outbreak — Experts explain symptoms

The number of Chandipura virus cases has significantly increased in India especially in villages that were identified as susceptible to the outbreak. The virus is transmitted by the female phlebotomine sandfly, which is prevalent during the early monsoon season. Chandipura infection leads to encephalitis which is the inflammation or swelling of brain tissue. This condition can be severe and requires immediate medical attention. Watch in for more details!

What is Chandipura Virus? Here's everything you need to know about it

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Student protests in Bangladesh continued to intensify on Sunday (July 21) with the death toll in the clashes between the demonstrators and the police climbing to 133.

Student protests in Bangladesh continued to intensify on Sunday (July 21) with the death toll in the clashes between the demonstrators and the police climbing to 133. In other news, Israeli air defences intercepted a surface-to-surface missile fired from Yemen on Sunday. The military said its Arrow 3 missile defence system had shot down the projectile before it crossed into Israeli territory. Click on the links to read more... Bangladesh protests: Death toll over 130; US issues 'don't travel' alert The US State Department said on Saturday that it raised Bangladesh's travel advisory to level four. In the advisory, the State Department said, "Travelers should not travel to Bangladesh due to ongoing civil unrest in Dhaka. At least 3 killed and 87 injured as Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen Three people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Houthi-controlled Yemeni port of Hodeida, the Iran-backed group said on Sunday (July 21), a day after the group's deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv. Chandipura virus claims 16 lives, 50 cases reported: Health ministry Gujarat reports 50 cases of Chandipura virus with 16 deaths from the suspected virus, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said. Took a bullet for democracy: Trump addresses first rally since shooting "I took a bullet for democracy," these were the words of former United States (US) president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as he held his first rally in Grand Rapids on Saturday. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM faces pressure for hostage deal ahead of US visit ×

Morning news brief: Bangladesh protest intensify; IDF intercepts missile from Yemen; and more

The Indian state of Gujarat reported 50 cases of Chandipura virus and 16 deaths from the suspected virus, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said.

He highlighted Himmatpur in&nbsp;Sabar Kantha District as a concern with 14 cases, 7 of which required hospitalisation. Himmatpur alone has seen 14 cases, 7 requiring hospitalisation.

"The state has reported 50 cases and 16 deaths, with the virus spilling over into other states as 3 cases have been found in patients from outside Gujarat," Patel said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/chandipura-virus-kills-kids-in-india-expert-reveals-details-about-this-deadly-virus-741784">Chandipura virus kills kids in India. Expert reveals details about this deadly virus</a>

The minister informed that to ensure public awareness, health officials have circulated information regarding the Chandipura virus to every village and Community Health Center.

"Symptoms of Chandipura virus were found in kids which has caused some scare. Seven cases were sent to Pune for lab testing, out of which only one case of Chandipura virus has been found. Only the Chandipura virus is not responsible for all the symptoms such as swelling and diarrhoea. This can also be due to encephalitis. Important information regarding the virus has been circulated in the entire state," Patel said.

<h2>Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviews situation</h2>

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the state's situation regarding the Chandipura virus and assessed the measures taken to control the epidemic.&nbsp;

CM Patel held a meeting with the State Municipal Commissioners, District Collectors, District Development Officers, and Chief District Health Officers via video conferencing to review their district performance.

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The Gujarat CM directed the officials to run a campaign of spraying Malathion powder in the districts to prevent the disease. He also asked the officials to ensure immediate and intensive treatment of patients with any kind of fever.

Many districts in Gujarat have reported suspected cases of Chandipura virus infection.

<h2>What is Chandipura virus?</h2>

Chandipura Vesiculovirus, referred to as Chandipura virus (CHPV)&nbsp;is an RNA virus. The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae. First identified in 1965 in the Chandipura district of Maharashtra, India. This virus is mainly known for causing acute encephalitis, a severe brain inflammation, caused especially in children.

The Chandipura virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and sand flies. The infection spreads when these infected sandflies bite humans, injecting the virus into their bloodstream.

Other likely modes of transmission include contact with bodily fluids from an infected person or animal.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian state of Gujarat reported 50 cases of Chandipura virus and 16 deaths from the suspected virus, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said. He highlighted Himmatpur in Sabar Kantha District as a concern with 14 cases, 7 of which required hospitalisation.

The Indian state of Gujarat reported 50 cases of Chandipura virus and 16 deaths from the suspected virus, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said. He highlighted Himmatpur in Sabar Kantha District as a concern with 14 cases, 7 of which required hospitalisation. Himmatpur alone has seen 14 cases, 7 requiring hospitalisation. "The state has reported 50 cases and 16 deaths, with the virus spilling over into other states as 3 cases have been found in patients from outside Gujarat," Patel said. Also read: Chandipura virus kills kids in India. Expert reveals details about this deadly virus The minister informed that to ensure public awareness, health officials have circulated information regarding the Chandipura virus to every village and Community Health Center. "Symptoms of Chandipura virus were found in kids which has caused some scare. Seven cases were sent to Pune for lab testing, out of which only one case of Chandipura virus has been found. Only the Chandipura virus is not responsible for all the symptoms such as swelling and diarrhoea. This can also be due to encephalitis. Important information regarding the virus has been circulated in the entire state," Patel said. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviews situation Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the state's situation regarding the Chandipura virus and assessed the measures taken to control the epidemic. CM Patel held a meeting with the State Municipal Commissioners, District Collectors, District Development Officers, and Chief District Health Officers via video conferencing to review their district performance. Also read: Zika virus cases in India: Pregnant women among infected, experts tell WION about preventive measures The Gujarat CM directed the officials to run a campaign of spraying Malathion powder in the districts to prevent the disease. He also asked the officials to ensure immediate and intensive treatment of patients with any kind of fever. Many districts in Gujarat have reported suspected cases of Chandipura virus infection. What is Chandipura virus? Chandipura Vesiculovirus, referred to as Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an RNA virus. The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae. First identified in 1965 in the Chandipura district of Maharashtra, India. This virus is mainly known for causing acute encephalitis, a severe brain inflammation, caused especially in children. The Chandipura virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and sand flies. The infection spreads when these infected sandflies bite humans, injecting the virus into their bloodstream. Other likely modes of transmission include contact with bodily fluids from an infected person or animal. (With inputs from agencies)

Gujarat | Chandipura virus claims 16 lives, 50 cases reported: Health ministry

Experts have said that vector control, hygiene and awareness are the key measures against the Chandipura virus and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. In Gujarat, symptoms of Chandipura virus were found in kids which has caused some scare.

Professor Atul Goel, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Union Health Ministry, and Director of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), along with experts from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, and National Institute of Mental Health &amp; Neurosciences (NIMHANS) reviewed the Chandipura virus and AES cases.

They concluded that infectious agents contribute to only a small proportion of AES cases across the country, said the Ministry of Health.

They emphasised the need for comprehensive epidemiological, environmental, and entomological studies of the AES cases reported in Gujarat.

"A multidisciplinary central team from NCDC, Indian Council of Medical Research, and Department of Animal Husbandry &amp; Dairying (DAHD) is being deployed to assist Gujarat with these investigations," said the Ministry.

Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family known to cause sporadic cases and outbreaks in western, central, and southern parts of the country, especially during the monsoon season.

The virus is transmitted by vectors such as sand flies and ticks.

The disease affects mostly children under 15 years of age and can present with a febrile illness that may, in some cases, result in death.

AES is a group of clinically similar neurologic manifestations caused by several different viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, spirochetes and chemicals/toxins.

The known viral causes of AES include JE, Dengue, HSV, CHPV, West Nile, etc.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Experts have said that vector control, hygiene and awareness are the key measures against the Chandipura virus and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Experts have said that vector control, hygiene and awareness are the key measures against the Chandipura virus and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. In Gujarat, symptoms of Chandipura virus were found in kids which has caused some scare. Professor Atul Goel, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Union Health Ministry, and Director of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), along with experts from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, and National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS) reviewed the Chandipura virus and AES cases. They concluded that infectious agents contribute to only a small proportion of AES cases across the country, said the Ministry of Health. They emphasised the need for comprehensive epidemiological, environmental, and entomological studies of the AES cases reported in Gujarat. "A multidisciplinary central team from NCDC, Indian Council of Medical Research, and Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) is being deployed to assist Gujarat with these investigations," said the Ministry. Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family known to cause sporadic cases and outbreaks in western, central, and southern parts of the country, especially during the monsoon season. The virus is transmitted by vectors such as sand flies and ticks. The disease affects mostly children under 15 years of age and can present with a febrile illness that may, in some cases, result in death. AES is a group of clinically similar neurologic manifestations caused by several different viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, spirochetes and chemicals/toxins. The known viral causes of AES include JE, Dengue, HSV, CHPV, West Nile, etc. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Vector control, hygiene and awareness key to control Chandipura virus: Experts

Increasing surveillance can be crucial and help in the early detection and treatment of the Chandipura virus that has so far claimed the lives of six children and affected about 12 in Gujarat, said doctors on Tuesday. According to Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, the virus is suspected to have caused the death of six children in the past five days, while the number of cases has risen to 12.

Chandipura virus emerges in Gujarat, six children suspected dead

India: Chandipura virus emerges in Gujarat, six children suspected dead | India News | WION

Chandipura virus: 12 suspected Chandipura virus cases emerge in Gujarat

Eight&nbsp;children died reportedly due to the Chandipura virus in India since July 10, with the total number of suspected infections rising to 14. The deaths have been reported in the Aaravalli district in the west Indian state of Gujarat.&nbsp;

State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel on Tuesday (Jul 16) said, "Cases have been reported from Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Kheda, Mehsana and Rajkot districts. Additionally, two patients from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh received treatment in Gujarat. Eight deaths have been reported, but confirmation is pending based on sample results."&nbsp;

Patel on Monday said that samples of the patients have been sent to Pune's National Institute of Virology (NIV) for confirmation.&nbsp;

Deaths because of any virus, especially when children are concerned, cause panic among people. Hence, WION reached out to experts to learn more about the Chandipura virus and preventive measures.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Chandipura virus?&nbsp;</h2>

The name of the virus, which is also known as Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV), is based on a village in Maharashtra state, where the first case of this infection was diagnosed in 1965. It is an RNA virus. The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae.&nbsp;

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<h2>What are the symptoms?&nbsp;</h2>

Chandipura virus causes fever and symptoms that are similar to flu and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies. Experts have noted that the primary vectors are sandflies, which can live in cracks&nbsp;in walls and in portions of mud- or sand-built dwellings.

Dr Ankita Baidya, Consultant,&nbsp;Infectious Diseases, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, Delhi shared details about this virus with WION.&nbsp;

She weighed in on the symptoms and said,&nbsp;"This virus initially causes fever, vomiting, loose motion, and other viral-like symptoms, but in addition, it also causes swelling in the brain called encephalitis, leading to&nbsp;convulsions, altered sensorium, delusion, unconsciousness episodes and seizures."&nbsp;

"So all these symptoms can be there because of the involvement of the brain with this virus," she explained.&nbsp;Notably, the virus&nbsp;does not transfer from person to person and is not contagious.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/zika-virus-cases-in-india-pregnant-women-among-infected-experts-tell-wion-about-preventive-measures-737211">Zika virus cases in India: Pregnant women among infected, experts tell WION about preventive measures</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Who is at risk?&nbsp;</h2>

The primary targets of this virus are children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years.&nbsp;Dr Baidya said that children are more susceptible because they play outside, and the disease is acquired through the bite of mosquitoes, sand flies or ticks.&nbsp;

In the rainy season, the chances of spreading the virus are on the higher side because of more mosquito breeding sites.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-explained-is-forgetfulness-a-key-indicator-of-alzheimers-disease-experts-tell-when-to-seek-help-733275">Explained: Is forgetfulness a key indicator of Alzheimer's disease? Experts tell when to seek help</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Are there any preventive measures?&nbsp;</h2>

Dr Baidya revealed that the symptoms are treated as per supportive care as there is no dedicated anti-viral as such for this virus.&nbsp;

Currently, there is no preventive vaccine for this. The only method to prevent this virus spread is using effective mosquito control measures and preventing mosquito bites, she added.&nbsp;

She further said that wearing loose and covered clothes will help. Mosquito repellents must also be used.&nbsp;

Local authorities should focus on sanitisation because&nbsp;it is important to prevent mosquito bites by controlling the&nbsp;breeding sites.&nbsp;

Insecticide spraying, telling kids to wear long sleeves, using bed nets when sleeping, and maintaining a clean environment will help in controlling the infectious disease.

Eight children died reportedly due to the Chandipura virus in India since July 10, with the total number of suspected infections rising to 14. The deaths have been reported in the Aaravalli district in the west Indian state of Gujarat.

Eight children died reportedly due to the Chandipura virus in India since July 10, with the total number of suspected infections rising to 14. The deaths have been reported in the Aaravalli district in the west Indian state of Gujarat. State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel on Tuesday (Jul 16) said, "Cases have been reported from Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Kheda, Mehsana and Rajkot districts. Additionally, two patients from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh received treatment in Gujarat. Eight deaths have been reported, but confirmation is pending based on sample results." Patel on Monday said that samples of the patients have been sent to Pune's National Institute of Virology (NIV) for confirmation. Deaths because of any virus, especially when children are concerned, cause panic among people. Hence, WION reached out to experts to learn more about the Chandipura virus and preventive measures. What is the Chandipura virus? The name of the virus, which is also known as Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV), is based on a village in Maharashtra state, where the first case of this infection was diagnosed in 1965. It is an RNA virus. The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae. Also read: ‘I had a lot of dizziness’: Montreal resident shares his suffering with Long Covid for three years What are the symptoms? Chandipura virus causes fever and symptoms that are similar to flu and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies. Experts have noted that the primary vectors are sandflies, which can live in cracks in walls and in portions of mud- or sand-built dwellings. Dr Ankita Baidya, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, Delhi shared details about this virus with WION. She weighed in on the symptoms and said, "This virus initially causes fever, vomiting, loose motion, and other viral-like symptoms, but in addition, it also causes swelling in the brain called encephalitis, leading to convulsions, altered sensorium, delusion, unconsciousness episodes and seizures." "So all these symptoms can be there because of the involvement of the brain with this virus," she explained. Notably, the virus does not transfer from person to person and is not contagious. Also read: Zika virus cases in India: Pregnant women among infected, experts tell WION about preventive measures Who is at risk? The primary targets of this virus are children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years. Dr Baidya said that children are more susceptible because they play outside, and the disease is acquired through the bite of mosquitoes, sand flies or ticks. In the rainy season, the chances of spreading the virus are on the higher side because of more mosquito breeding sites. Also read: Explained: Is forgetfulness a key indicator of Alzheimer's disease? Experts tell when to seek help Are there any preventive measures? Dr Baidya revealed that the symptoms are treated as per supportive care as there is no dedicated anti-viral as such for this virus. Currently, there is no preventive vaccine for this. The only method to prevent this virus spread is using effective mosquito control measures and preventing mosquito bites, she added. She further said that wearing loose and covered clothes will help. Mosquito repellents must also be used. Local authorities should focus on sanitisation because it is important to prevent mosquito bites by controlling the breeding sites. Insecticide spraying, telling kids to wear long sleeves, using bed nets when sleeping, and maintaining a clean environment will help in controlling the infectious disease.

Chandipura virus kills kids in India. Expert reveals details about this deadly virus

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