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New Delhi, July 31, 2024 – India is grappling with its largest Chandipura virus outbreak in 20 years, raising alarm among public health officials and communities. This rod-shaped pathogen, a member of the rabies virus family, is causing severe encephalitis, characterized by inflammation and swelling in the brain, primarily affecting children under 15.
Understanding the Chandipura Virus
Chandipura virus, first identified in Maharashtra in 1965, has resurfaced with alarming frequency in recent years. The virus is transmitted mainly through sandflies, though mosquitoes and ticks can also be carriers. Initial symptoms often mirror the flu but can escalate swiftly—within 24 to 48 hours—into encephalitis, coma, and death.
The exact mechanism by which the virus invades the central nervous system remains poorly understood. It is hypothesized that when an infected insect bites a human, it injects saliva containing the virus. The virus then enters the bloodstream, infecting immune cells known as monocytes, where it replicates undetected. Subsequently, it disrupts the blood-brain barrier, reaching the brain.
Recent studies suggest that about six hours post-infection, the Chandipura virus secretes a protein called phosphoprotein inside brain cells, potentially explaining its rapid progression to fatal outcomes.
Current Outbreak and Its Impact
The latest outbreak, centered in Gujarat, has affected over 100 individuals, with a severe impact on children. This resurgence follows significant outbreaks in 2003 in Andhra Pradesh, where 329 children were infected and 183 died, and in Gujarat in 2005, with a high fatality rate of 78% among 26 cases.
Despite its discovery in India, the virus has been detected beyond the subcontinent. It was found in sandflies in West Africa during the early 1990s and in hedgehogs in Senegal. Antibodies to the Chandipura virus have also been identified in wild monkeys in Sri Lanka.
Climate Change and Disease Emergence
The resurgence of the Chandipura virus is likely linked to climate change, which facilitates the spread of vector-borne diseases. Rising temperatures have increased the range and activity of insects carrying various pathogens. This summer alone, India has reported elevated cases of other mosquito-borne viruses, including Zika, dengue, and Nipah.
Public Health Response and Challenges
Currently, there are no antiviral treatments or vaccines available for Chandipura virus infection. The lack of effective medical interventions, combined with the virus’s rapid progression, underscores the urgent need for research and public health strategies to mitigate the impact of this outbreak.
Public health officials are calling for increased surveillance and vector control measures to combat the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations. As the situation evolves, the focus will be on improving understanding of the virus and developing preventive measures to safeguard public health.
