<p>A new threat to public health—the Chandipura virus—has cropped up in Gujarat, with <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/india/gujarat/niv-confirms-first-death-due-to-chandipura-virus-in-gujarat-suspected-death-toll-rises-to-14-3109778">29 confirmed infections and 14 suspected deaths</a>.</p><p>While not a new discovery, the re-emergence of the Chandipura virus is still alarming, given its high mortality rate.</p> .<p>First identified during an outbreak of encephalitis in the village of Chandipura in Maharashtra in 1965, the RNA virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family that is associated with encephalitic illnesses.</p><p>The virus primarily affects children and the onset of symptoms after infection is rapid. However, it is not contagious.</p>.<p>Symptoms of a Chandipura virus infection include the sudden onset of high fever, severe headaches, nausea, and even convulsions. In extreme cases, patients might also fall unconscious and get into a coma before eventually succumbing.</p>.<p>No specific anti-viral treatment or vaccine exists for Chandipura virus infections, and treatment involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms and prevent further deterioration of the patent.</p><p>Most patients require hospitalisation, and in cases when patients exhibit severe neurological symptoms, intensive care may also be required.</p><p>Hydration is crucial for recovery, and anti-pyretics and anti-convulsants may be administered to relieve symptoms.</p>.<p>While the transmission mechanism of the Chandipura virus is not completely understood, it is a vector-borne disease that is transmitted via sandfly bites.</p>.<p>Earlier outbreaks suggest that Chandipura virus infections carry a high risk of death.</p><p>In a 2003 outbreak, 189 of 329 infected children died in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, and sporadic outbreaks in 2009 and 2011 also saw several deaths.</p><p>Sporadic outbreaks were also reported in Gujarat in 2014, 2016, and 2019, but these outbreaks were localised and did not affect too many people.</p>
<p>A new threat to public health—the Chandipura virus—has cropped up in Gujarat, with <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/india/gujarat/niv-confirms-first-death-due-to-chandipura-virus-in-gujarat-suspected-death-toll-rises-to-14-3109778">29 confirmed infections and 14 suspected deaths</a>.</p><p>While not a new discovery, the re-emergence of the Chandipura virus is still alarming, given its high mortality rate.</p> .<p>First identified during an outbreak of encephalitis in the village of Chandipura in Maharashtra in 1965, the RNA virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family that is associated with encephalitic illnesses.</p><p>The virus primarily affects children and the onset of symptoms after infection is rapid. However, it is not contagious.</p>.<p>Symptoms of a Chandipura virus infection include the sudden onset of high fever, severe headaches, nausea, and even convulsions. In extreme cases, patients might also fall unconscious and get into a coma before eventually succumbing.</p>.<p>No specific anti-viral treatment or vaccine exists for Chandipura virus infections, and treatment involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms and prevent further deterioration of the patent.</p><p>Most patients require hospitalisation, and in cases when patients exhibit severe neurological symptoms, intensive care may also be required.</p><p>Hydration is crucial for recovery, and anti-pyretics and anti-convulsants may be administered to relieve symptoms.</p>.<p>While the transmission mechanism of the Chandipura virus is not completely understood, it is a vector-borne disease that is transmitted via sandfly bites.</p>.<p>Earlier outbreaks suggest that Chandipura virus infections carry a high risk of death.</p><p>In a 2003 outbreak, 189 of 329 infected children died in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, and sporadic outbreaks in 2009 and 2011 also saw several deaths.</p><p>Sporadic outbreaks were also reported in Gujarat in 2014, 2016, and 2019, but these outbreaks were localised and did not affect too many people.</p>
