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Chandipura Virus Claims 3 Children In Gujarat, Rajasthan: Why Kids Are At Risk Of This Rare Brain Infection

Chandipura Virus Claims 3 Children in Gujarat, Rajasthan: Why Kids Are at Risk of This Rare Brain Infection

The <span>Chandipura virus</span> (CHPV), a rare but potentially fatal brain infection, has claimed the lives of three young children in Gujarat and Rajasthan, raising concerns during the ongoing <span>monsoon season</span> when insect-borne diseases become more common.

A six-year-old boy from Rajasthan with a confirmed <span>Chandipura virus infection</span> died at the Civil Hospital in Himmatnagar, Gujarat's Sabarkantha district, officials said on July 9.

According to Resident Medical Officer Dr. Vipul Jani, seven children aged between 2 and 11 years with suspected CHPV infection were admitted to the hospital between June 26 and July 9.

The child with confirmed infection was identified as Rajkumar Damor (6), a resident of Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Two girls—a two-year-old from Rajasthan and a three-year-old from Sabarkantha, Gujarat—are currently undergoing treatment, while laboratory reports are awaited. Another three-year-old boy tested negative and has been discharged.

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an insect-borne virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family and the Vesiculovirus genus. It was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura village in Maharashtra.

The virus is transmitted primarily through phlebotomine <span>sandflies</span>, although mosquitoes and ticks may also play a role in transmission.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/leptospirosis-in-monsoon-expert-explains-why-early-recognition-prevention-is-a-must-article-154797875" data-type="tilCustomLink">Leptospirosis In Monsoon: Expert Explains Why Early Detection &amp; Prevention Is A Must</a>

Most cases have been reported from central and western India, particularly during the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/monsoon-playbook-for-parents-common-home-mistakes-that-increase-infection-risk-in-children-article-155037540" data-type="tilCustomLink">monsoon </a> and post-monsoon months when sandfly populations increase.

While some infections remain mild, the virus can rapidly invade the brain, causing <span>acute encephalitis</span> (<span>brain inflammation</span>), seizures, coma and even death, especially in children.

"In some children, Chandipura virus can cause severe brain inflammation and become life-threatening within a short period," said Dr. Kanchankumar Bhagyawant, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.

<h2>Symptoms Of Chandipura Virus Infection</h2>

Symptoms usually begin suddenly and may initially resemble other viral illnesses. The expert urged to watch out for:

<ul><li>Sudden high fever</li><li>Severe headache</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Excessive sleepiness or reduced activity</li><li>Irritability or behavioural changes</li><li>Convulsions or seizures</li><li>Loss of consciousness in severe cases</li></ul>

"Parents should never ignore a fever lasting more than three days if it is accompanied by repeated vomiting, seizures, confusion or excessive sleepiness. Seeking immediate medical care can be lifesaving," Dr. Bhagyawant said.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/as-cyclospora-cases-surge-in-the-us-expert-explains-why-indias-monsoon-raises-risk-of-the-parasitic-infection-article-155016059" data-type="tilCustomLink">As Cyclospora Cases Surge In The US, Expert Explains Why India's Monsoon Raises Risk Of The Parasitic Infection</a>

According to Dr. Bhagyawant, children below 15 years, especially those living in rural and semi-rural areas, are the most vulnerable to Chandipura virus infection. Although adults can be infected, severe disease is far less common.

Children are at greater risk because of several factors:

<ul><li>Immature immune system: Young children have fewer antibodies and are less able to fight new viral infections.</li><li>Higher exposure: Outdoor play increases contact with sandflies, particularly during the monsoon.</li><li>Limited prior immunity: Most children have not been previously exposed to the virus.</li><li>Rapid disease progression: The virus can multiply quickly, overwhelming a child's immune system.</li><li>Developing brain: Children's brains are more vulnerable to encephalitis and neurological damage.</li><li>Delayed diagnosis: Early symptoms resemble common viral infections, delaying treatment.</li><li>Limited healthcare access: Rural areas may have fewer diagnostic and treatment facilities.</li><li>Poor vector control: Inadequate measures to control sandflies increase the risk of transmission.</li></ul>

<h2>How Can Chandipura Virus Infection Be Prevented?</h2>

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus. Prevention focuses on avoiding insect bites and reducing exposure to sandflies.

<ul><li>Use mosquito or sandfly nets, especially for children at night.</li><li>Apply age-appropriate insect repellents.</li><li>Dress children in full-sleeved clothing and long pants.</li><li>Keep homes and surroundings clean.</li><li>Eliminate stagnant water and improve sanitation around homes and animal shelters.</li><li>Install window screens where possible.</li><li>Seek immediate medical attention if a child develops a high fever along with vomiting, seizures or altered consciousness.</li></ul>

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The Chandipura virus (CHPV), a rare but potentially fatal brain infection, has claimed the lives of three young children in Gujarat and Rajasthan, raising concerns during the ongoing monsoon season when insect-borne diseases become more common.A six-year-old boy from Rajasthan with a confirmed Chandipura virus infection died at the Civil Hospital in Himmatnagar, Gujarat's Sabarkantha district, officials said on July 9.According to Resident Medical Officer Dr. Vipul Jani, seven children aged between 2 and 11 years with suspected CHPV infection were admitted to the hospital between June 26 and July 9.The child with confirmed infection was identified as Rajkumar Damor (6), a resident of Udaipur, Rajasthan.Two girls—a two-year-old from Rajasthan and a three-year-old from Sabarkantha, Gujarat—are currently undergoing treatment, while laboratory reports are awaited. Another three-year-old boy tested negative and has been discharged. What Is Chandipura Virus?Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an insect-borne virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family and the Vesiculovirus genus. It was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura village in Maharashtra.The virus is transmitted primarily through phlebotomine sandflies, although mosquitoes and ticks may also play a role in transmission.Also read: Leptospirosis In Monsoon: Expert Explains Why Early Detection & Prevention Is A MustMost cases have been reported from central and western India, particularly during the monsoon  and post-monsoon months when sandfly populations increase.While some infections remain mild, the virus can rapidly invade the brain, causing acute encephalitis (brain inflammation), seizures, coma and even death, especially in children."In some children, Chandipura virus can cause severe brain inflammation and become life-threatening within a short period," said Dr. Kanchankumar Bhagyawant, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.Symptoms Of Chandipura Virus InfectionSymptoms usually begin suddenly and may initially resemble other viral illnesses. The expert urged to watch out for:Sudden high feverSevere headacheVomitingExcessive sleepiness or reduced activityIrritability or behavioural changesConvulsions or seizuresLoss of consciousness in severe cases"Parents should never ignore a fever lasting more than three days if it is accompanied by repeated vomiting, seizures, confusion or excessive sleepiness. Seeking immediate medical care can be lifesaving," Dr. Bhagyawant said.Why Are Children More At Risk?Also read: As Cyclospora Cases Surge In The US, Expert Explains Why India's Monsoon Raises Risk Of The Parasitic InfectionAccording to Dr. Bhagyawant, children below 15 years, especially those living in rural and semi-rural areas, are the most vulnerable to Chandipura virus infection. Although adults can be infected, severe disease is far less common.Children are at greater risk because of several factors:Immature immune system: Young children have fewer antibodies and are less able to fight new viral infections.Higher exposure: Outdoor play increases contact with sandflies, particularly during the monsoon.Limited prior immunity: Most children have not been previously exposed to the virus.Rapid disease progression: The virus can multiply quickly, overwhelming a child's immune system.Developing brain: Children's brains are more vulnerable to encephalitis and neurological damage.Delayed diagnosis: Early symptoms resemble common viral infections, delaying treatment.Limited healthcare access: Rural areas may have fewer diagnostic and treatment facilities.Poor vector control: Inadequate measures to control sandflies increase the risk of transmission.How Can Chandipura Virus Infection Be Prevented?There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus. Prevention focuses on avoiding insect bites and reducing exposure to sandflies. Dr. Bhagyawant recommended:Use mosquito or sandfly nets, especially for children at night.Apply age-appropriate insect repellents.Dress children in full-sleeved clothing and long pants.Keep homes and surroundings clean.Eliminate stagnant water and improve sanitation around homes and animal shelters.Install window screens where possible.Seek immediate medical attention if a child develops a high fever along with vomiting, seizures or altered consciousness.

chandipura virus claims 3 children in gujarat, rajasthan: why kids are at risk of this rare brain infection

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