The name of the new panic is the Chandipura virus. Since July 10, eight children have died of the deadly virus in Gujarat's Aravalli district. Another 14 children are infected with the virus. Deaths have been reported from western India. State Health Minister Rishikesh Patel said on Tuesday (July 16) that cases were reported from Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Kheda, Mehsana, and Rajkot districts. Two patients from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh are undergoing treatment in Gujarat. He added that samples of the patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for confirmation. This viral infection mainly occurs in children. So the panic is even greater. What is this virus? What are the symptoms? How can it be prevented? Let's know everything.
The original name of the virus is Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV). In 1965, the virus was first detected in Chandipura village in Maharashtra. Hence the name. It is an RNA virus. It is a member of the genus Vesiculovirus of the viral family Rhabdoviridae.
Chandipura virus infection can cause a sudden high fever. There may also be severe headaches. Frequent vomiting or itching may occur. In addition, encephalitis, i.e., swelling of the brain, may occur. Apart from this, mental confusion and irritability may occur. In the case of a severe infection, the patient may go into a coma and die.
Chandipura virus spreads through vectors such as mosquitoes, insects, and flies. When virus-infected vectors bite a person, the virus does not spread from person to person, i.e., it is not contagious.
The virus primarily targets children and adolescents aged 9 months to 14 years. Children play outside the home. Therefore, they are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes, flies, or insects. Due to the high breeding of mosquitoes in stagnant water during the rainy season, the chances of spreading the virus are high during this time.
Doctors have said that there is no dedicated anti-viral medicine for the virus. That is, there is no way to prevent it. However, the symptoms can be treated. Currently, there is no vaccine for this virus. The only way to prevent the spread of the virus is to control mosquitoes and flies and keep an eye on mosquitoes so that mosquitoes do not bite. Doctors are advising you to wear loose, covered clothes for this. Mosquito repellent can also be used. Along with this, local authorities should also emphasize cleaning the area. In addition, spraying pesticides, wearing long-sleeved clothes for children, using mosquito nets while sleeping, and keeping the environment clean can control this infectious disease.
There is no specific medicine for this disease. Treating the symptoms is the only way. Patients, especially children, need to be hospitalized if severe symptoms occur. It is very important to keep the amount of water in the body right. Especially if there is severe vomiting. Fever should be reduced with fever-reducing medicines. Anticonvulsants are given to stop seizures. Severe neurological symptoms or respiratory problems may require admission to the ICU.