A virus belonging to the rabies family and transmitted through vectors like sandflies and mosquitoes has been suspected to be the reason behind the deaths of more than 10 children, in the northern part of India, in the past few days. The Chandipura virus, which was discovered in Maharashtra’s Chandipura, is apparently found mostly in the Central part of India. It is likely to affect children between the ages of 0 to 14, according to doctors. Here’s what you should know about the virus infection:
How Chandipura virus transmission occurs
1) Infected sandflies can transmit it to humans through biting. The sandflies that spread this virus are tiny with a hairy body and wings. They are active at night and their bites can cause redness and swelling.
2) They are found mostly in places with warm and humid climates. However, they are also reported during and after monsoon season, during which their population is high.
3) Mosquito bites
4) Cow dung storage can act as feed for sandfly larvae.
Chandipura virus disease symptoms
According to the National Institute of Health, the symptoms of CHPV aka Chandipura virus are:
1) Sudden, high fever with headache
2) Seizures
3) ‘Altered sensorium’ aka confusion, disorientation or drowsiness
4) Diarrhoea
5) Vomiting
6) Brain inflammation is also quoted as a symptom by health officials of Gujarat, where the cases were registered.
Experts say the symptoms can be rapid and occur between 12 to 24 hours, and death can happen in 48 hours.
How to prevent it?
In a conversation with a national TV channel, Dr Sudheer Kumar, Senior Consultant Neurologist of the Apollo Group of Hospitals said that as soon as the symptoms start, patients should be hospitalized. Supporting treatments like IV fluids, and convulsion controls through medication should be ensured at the earliest.