Fears over the Chandipura virus, named after the village in Maharashtra, India, where it was first identified, are growing. The virus has claimed the lives of 15 children in Gujarat in just a few days. The number of people infected with the virus stands at 29.
“Children have a less developed immune system than adults, so they might not be able to fight the virus as well,” says Dr Shreya Dubey – Consultant – Neonatology & Pediatrics, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon and blames misinterpretation of symptoms as one of the main reasons for the fatal outcome of the infection in children.
“The virus can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, which quickly progresses to severe neurological symptoms,” she explains, adding that because Chandipura virus has no specific antiviral treatment, supportive care is essential but often insufficient in severe cases.
Beware of midgesSandflies, particularly the species Phlebotomus papatasi, act as vectors of Chandipura virus; these sandflies transfer the virus from an infected host to humans.
“Avoid sandfly bites, apply insect repellent to exposed skin, wear long sleeves and use mosquito nets when sleeping, especially in areas where sandflies are common, to reduce the risk of infection,” recommends Dr Dubey.
Chandipura virus infection: first signs to knowSymptoms of Chandipura virus infection can develop rapidly and appear unexpectedly. Important signs and symptoms include rapid onset of high fever, common patient complaints are severe headache, frequent vomiting, convulsions and seizures, loss of consciousness, and neurological signs such as agitation, confusion, and drowsiness.
Chandipura virus infection: how to protect yourself?Eliminate sources of standing water and clear vegetation around homes to reduce sandfly breeding areas.
Educate residents about sandfly habits and the importance of taking preventative measures.
If a child has symptoms such as vomiting, headache or high temperature, seek medical attention promptly.
Pay attention to the treatment and prevention recommendations made by specialist doctors.
“To prevent Chandipura virus infection, it is imperative to have a licensed vaccine. A vaccine could protect vulnerable groups, especially children, and significantly reduce the prevalence of this deadly disease if developed and made widely available,” says Dr Dubey.
“Children have a less developed immune system than adults, so they might not be able to fight the virus as well,” says Dr Shreya Dubey – Consultant – Neonatology & Pediatrics, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon and blames misinterpretation of symptoms as one of the main reasons for the fatal outcome of the infection in children.
“The virus can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, which quickly progresses to severe neurological symptoms,” she explains, adding that because Chandipura virus has no specific antiviral treatment, supportive care is essential but often insufficient in severe cases.
Beware of midgesSandflies, particularly the species Phlebotomus papatasi, act as vectors of Chandipura virus; these sandflies transfer the virus from an infected host to humans.
“Avoid sandfly bites, apply insect repellent to exposed skin, wear long sleeves and use mosquito nets when sleeping, especially in areas where sandflies are common, to reduce the risk of infection,” recommends Dr Dubey.
Chandipura virus infection: first signs to knowSymptoms of Chandipura virus infection can develop rapidly and appear unexpectedly. Important signs and symptoms include rapid onset of high fever, common patient complaints are severe headache, frequent vomiting, convulsions and seizures, loss of consciousness, and neurological signs such as agitation, confusion, and drowsiness.
Chandipura virus infection: how to protect yourself?Eliminate sources of standing water and clear vegetation around homes to reduce sandfly breeding areas.
Educate residents about sandfly habits and the importance of taking preventative measures.
If a child has symptoms such as vomiting, headache or high temperature, seek medical attention promptly.
Pay attention to the treatment and prevention recommendations made by specialist doctors.
“To prevent Chandipura virus infection, it is imperative to have a licensed vaccine. A vaccine could protect vulnerable groups, especially children, and significantly reduce the prevalence of this deadly disease if developed and made widely available,” says Dr Dubey.
