The Lancet reported in 2004 about what it called “an emerging human pathogen”, the Chandipura virus, named after the village of the same name in India’s western state Maharashtra’s Nagpur district. This virus was originally isolated from Chandipura village in the mid-1960s. It has made a comeback with at least 15 suspected deaths in three states — Gujarat (13), Madhya Pradesh (one) and Rajasthan (one). The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, confirmed this week that a four-year-old victim had been infected with the Chandipura virus. We spoke to Dr Neha Rastogi Panda, who is an Infectious Diseases consultant at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Haryana, to understand the seriousness of the current outbreak. Excerpts:
Can you explain what the Chandipura virus is and why it poses a significant health threat, especially to children?
This is the vector borne virus belonging to the family of rabies virus which is transmitted by ticks and sandflies. It causes the severity in terms of the affection of the organ that is the encephalitis that is the serious infection of the brain leading to a fatal outcome but also severe in the form of the age predilection that is children not only significant risk for the individual but also for the public health
What are the primary modes of transmission for the Chandipura virus, and why is it making a resurgence now?
The virus primarily spreads through sandflies and ticks common in rural and dry areas. Resurgence could be due to factors like increased vector population or human encroachment into infected animal habitats. Climate change and poor air quality alongside local and environmental hygiene plays significant role
Could you elaborate on the symptoms of Chandipura virus infection and why they progress so rapidly?
Symptoms usually start with flu-like illness — cold ,coryza, fever. It further leads to vomiting, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. It may rapidly progress to seizures, confusion, and coma. The rapid progression is likely due to the virus’s aggressive attack on the nervous system.
Who is most at an increased risk of contracting the Chandipura virus, and are there any particular reasons why children are more susceptible?
Children are more susceptible as their immune systems are still developing. They have less ability to fight with this virus which rapidly spreads in their bodies. The developing brain is more vulnerable to these infections, which cause severe brain involvement.
Furthermore, social and environmental factors also make children more exposed to a wide range of infections. Children usually play outdoors putting them at a greater risk of exposure to this virus as vectors are commonly seen in the outdoor areas.
Given that there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for Chandipura virus, how critical is early diagnosis, and what are the current treatment options?
Considering there is no available specific antiviral agent for the treatment, the most important cornerstone of the therapy remains early diagnosis and timely pre-emptive supportive therapy. This may involve anti-seizure, proper hydration, antipyretics medications after diagnosis. This can help in the faster recovery and prevent the long-term and short-term sequelae and complications in this infection.
What preventive measures are most effective against Chandipura virus, and how feasible are these measures in rural areas where outbreaks typically occur?
The most effective measures are using mosquito nets, wearing long sleeves and pants, and applying repellents. Feasibility in rural areas can be challenging due to limited resources and access.
Handling animals and waste, covering of food and water items, proper covered clothing and especially in children when stepping out of the house along with local hygiene and environmental sanitation is utmost important.
Considering the monsoon season and the presence of other viruses like dengue, how likely is it for the Chandipura virus to mix with other circulating viruses, and what implications could this have?
The possibility of Chandipura co-infection with dengue exists during monsoon. The implications are usually addressed in terms of fatality, severity and prolonged illness. Considering both viruses have common areas and affection, it can lead to more severe forms of illness. Furthermore, overlapping symptoms might lead to delay in diagnosis leading to complications and severity.
Does the outbreak of Chandipura virus have the potential to become widespread, and what can be done to mitigate its impact in affected regions?
Considering virus and vectors suitability, the potential for a large-scale outbreak exists with environmental support. But prompt public health measures such as rapid screening of people for symptoms, faster isolation of those found infected, medical surveillance and tracing of contacts can mitigate its spread and impact.
Could you discuss any ongoing research or initiatives aimed at developing vaccines or treatments for Chandipura virus as it has been out there since 2004?
Research on vaccines and treatments is ongoing. However, because of the structure of this virus, which is a segmented RNA, it is highly labile and liable to mutations rendering vaccines ineffective. However, a lot of vaccine trials are going on. On similar grounds, a lot of antivirals have been in vitro tried but like rabies virus, there is no specific antiviral for the Chandipura virus.
The outbreak of Covid-19 from a small place in China to becoming a massive pandemic has set off a public health alarm. Should people be worried for the health of their children with Chandipura virus claiming victims in three big Indian states?
While both pose a threat, Covid-19 is much more contagious considering human-to-human transmission. However, Chandipura’s severity among children necessitates vigilance in terms of early symptoms and diagnosis. It’s important to stay informed about the situation in your area and follow public health advisories. If you suspect Chandipura infection in a child, seek immediate medical attention.
Link to article –
Chandipura virus outbreak | Doctor explains should you worry about your kid’s health
