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Chandipura Virus Outbreak in India
Context:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently reported that the current outbreak of the Chandipura virus (CHPV) in India is the largest in two decades.
More on News:
- The outbreak has seen significant numbers of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases.
- The Ministry of Health documented 245 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), including 82 fatalities, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 33%.
- In 2003, Andhra Pradesh experienced a large AES outbreak linked to CHPV, with 329 suspected cases and 183 deaths.
Key Highlights:
- It causes sporadic cases and outbreaks of AES in the western, central, and southern parts of India. Notably prevalent during the monsoon season.
- The issue affects 43 districts in India, especially in western, central, and southern regions like Gujarat. Outbreaks usually increase every four to five years during the monsoon season.
- The National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) is assisting in public health measures and epidemiological investigations.
- The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) is researching other potential viruses causing encephalitis and monitoring the situation closely.
Surveillance and Control Measures:
- Surveillance efforts should focus on high-risk areas, especially children below 15 years of age presenting with acute onset of fever and central nervous system symptoms.
- Laboratory diagnostic capacities are crucial for the timely collection, transport, and testing of serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples for serological and virological investigation.
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About Chandipura virus (CHPV):
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[…] to work together on health measures to keep people and animals safe. By looking at how the virus spreads and changes, we can learn why it is so important to monitor, protect, and cooperate to […]