Largest Chandipura Virus Outbreak in Two Decades Hits India: WHO Report
New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) – The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the current Chandipura virus outbreak in India as the most significant in 20 years. From early June to August 15, the Ministry of Health recorded 245 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), including 82 fatalities, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 33 percent. A total of 43 districts are reporting AES cases, with 64 confirmed to be Chandipura virus (CHPV) infections.
"CHPV is endemic in India and has shown sporadic outbreaks, especially during monsoon seasons in west, central, and southern regions. This current outbreak is the largest in the last two decades," the WHO stated in its Disease Outbreak news on August 23. Gujarat experiences increased CHPV outbreaks every four to five years, attributed to vector transmission through sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks. The CFR for CHPV remains alarmingly high between 56-75%, and no specific treatment or vaccine exists.
The WHO emphasizes the importance of enhanced surveillance in high-risk areas, particularly targeting children under 15 presenting acute fever and central nervous system symptoms. Early access to intensive supportive care can improve survival rates. Laboratory diagnostic capabilities must be available for timely collection and testing of serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples. Fortunately, since July 19, a declining trend in new AES cases has been observed. No human-to-human transmission has been reported thus far.
In response to the outbreak, a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) has been deployed by the Union Health Ministry to assist Gujarat’s government. Efforts include comprehensive insecticidal spraying and fumigation to control vectors. Public and medical personnel are being provided with crucial information regarding the virus, its symptoms, and preventive measures. The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) is actively monitoring the situation and researching other encephalitis-causing viruses.
Though authorities are diligently working to control the outbreak, the monsoon season’s favorable conditions could lead to further transmission in the coming weeks. WHO recommends vector control and protection against sandfly, mosquito, and tick bites to curb the virus’s spread.
Original Story https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/08/29/outbreak-of-chandipura-virus-in-india-largest-in-20-years-who/
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