Two girls from Rajasthan have died while receiving treatment in Gujarat after testing positive for the Chandipura virus (CHPV), raising fresh concerns about the spread of the infection during the monsoon season.
The latest deaths have prompted the Rajasthan Health Department to strengthen surveillance in districts bordering Gujarat, particularly Dungarpur, Sirohi and Udaipur.
As of July 24, a total of nine confirmed deaths have been reported in the current outbreak. Of these, seven deaths were reported in Gujarat and two in Rajasthan.
The Chandipura virus is known to affect children, particularly those below the age of 15, and can progress rapidly in severe cases.
What Is Chandipura Virus?
Chandipura virus, or CHPV, belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family of viruses, the same broad family that includes the virus responsible for rabies.
The virus is mainly spread through the bites of certain insects. These include different species of sandflies, such as Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi. Some mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti, which is also known to spread dengue, are also considered possible vectors.
The virus can live in the saliva glands of these insects. When an infected insect bites a person or an animal, the virus can enter the body.
In severe cases, the infection can reach the central nervous system, potentially causing encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.
How Does the Infection Spread?
The virus is transmitted mainly through insect bites. Experts have linked the spread of CHPV to the presence of sandflies and mosquitoes, particularly in areas where these insects are more common.
The infection has been reported more frequently in rural, tribal and peripheral areas. Experts have also pointed to a seasonal connection, with cases often increasing during the monsoon, when conditions become favourable for the breeding and multiplication of sandflies.
According to Gujarat-based paediatrician Dr Rajesh Jeswani, some traditional housing and household practices may also attract sandflies. He noted that the use of cow-dung plaster in some kutcha houses and the making of cow-dung cakes can create conditions that attract the insects.
What Are the Symptoms?
Chandipura virus infection can initially appear like a common viral illness. The early symptoms may include:
Sudden high fever
Body ache
Headache
However, the infection can worsen quickly. In serious cases, patients may develop:
Altered consciousness or sensorium
Seizures
Encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain
Breathing difficulties
Bleeding tendencies
Anaemia
One of the major concerns for doctors is the speed at which the disease can progress.
Studies have reported that after the onset of encephalitis, the patient’s condition can deteriorate rapidly and may lead to death within 24 to 48 hours of hospitalisation in severe cases.
Children, particularly those under 15 years of age, have been the main group affected by the infection.
No Specific Treatment or Vaccine Available
At present, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for Chandipura virus infection.
Treatment is therefore mainly focused on managing the symptoms and supporting the patient’s vital functions.
Doctors closely monitor the patient and try to control complications, particularly brain inflammation and other serious effects of the infection.
The rapid progression of the disease makes early medical attention extremely important. According to paediatricians, a child may develop a high fever in the morning and could suffer serious complications affecting organs such as the kidneys or liver by the evening in severe cases.
This rapid progression can make treatment and management extremely challenging.
Rajasthan Steps Up Surveillance
The deaths of two Rajasthan girls who were being treated in Gujarat have led health authorities in Rajasthan to increase their monitoring efforts.
The Rajasthan Health Department is planning to strengthen surveillance in Dungarpur, Sirohi and Udaipur, which are located close to Gujarat.
The move is aimed at detecting suspected cases early and monitoring the spread of the infection in areas where the virus could potentially emerge during the monsoon season.
With cases being reported in Gujarat and Rajasthan, health authorities are keeping a closer watch on children showing symptoms such as sudden fever and neurological complications.
Gujarat and Maharashtra Have Seen Major Outbreaks
Chandipura virus was first isolated in 1965 while researchers were investigating a dengue and chikungunya outbreak in Maharashtra.
Over the years, the virus has been linked to outbreaks in parts of central and western India.
One of the most serious outbreaks occurred during 2003-04, when Maharashtra, northern Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh reported more than 300 child deaths.
During the 2004 outbreak in Gujarat, the case fatality rate was reported to be around 78%. In Andhra Pradesh, the case fatality rate during the 2003 outbreak was estimated at around 55%.
The infection has largely remained endemic to parts of central India, where sandflies and mosquitoes that can spread the virus are more prevalent.
Why Monsoon Raises Concern
The monsoon season is considered an important period for monitoring Chandipura virus because the population of sandflies can increase during this time.
Health experts have observed that outbreaks are often seen in rural and tribal areas, where environmental conditions may support the spread of the insects.
Dr Rakesh Joshi, medical superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and a paediatric surgeon, has previously noted that outbreaks often occur in rural, tribal and peripheral areas, possibly due to the higher prevalence of sandflies.
The current cases in Gujarat and Rajasthan have once again highlighted the need for increased surveillance during the monsoon.
Early Detection Remains Important
With the infection capable of progressing rapidly, health experts stress the importance of recognising warning signs early.
Children who develop sudden high fever followed by seizures, changes in consciousness or other neurological symptoms require urgent medical attention.
The latest outbreak, which has already resulted in nine confirmed deaths, has increased the focus on surveillance and early detection in Gujarat and neighbouring Rajasthan.
As the monsoon continues, health authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation, particularly in areas where conditions may favour the spread of sandflies and mosquitoes.
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