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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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