The number of Chandipura virus cases in Gujarat is rapidly increasing. It usually affects children, and over six of them have died.
Chandipura virus is a lethal infection that can induce coma and death if not treated promptly. The state of Gujarat is currently experiencing a rise in the number of incidents involving children, as well as mortality reports.
After two more deaths were reported in the state, the total number of fatalities has risen to eight, according to Health Minister Rushikesh Patel.
On Monday, Patel addressed the public, announcing that “Chandipura virus infections have emerged in numerous locations across the state. There is no reason to be terrified, but we must be cautious.
Chandipura isn’t a novel virus. In 1965, the first case was filed in Maharashtra. This virus is reported in Gujarat every year.
This disease is caused by the sting of a vector-infected sandfly and primarily affects children aged 9 months to 14 years. It is more prevalent in rural areas.
However, increasing the number of our health guards is urgently required. The monsoon season brings with it a unique variety of seasonal viruses and bacteria, such as dengue and malaria.
Chandipura Virus Transmission
The irus is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus in the family Rhabdoviridae. The Chandipura Viral Encephalitis (CHPV) is purportedly named after Maharashtra’s Chandipura district, where the initial outbreak occurred. According to the state health minister, “This disease is not contagious.”
How to Protect Children from the Chandipura Virus?
One cannot guarantee immunity from being infected with any virus, but we can keep a healthy and clean environment to reduce the chance of infection as much as possible.
- Clean Environment: The Chandipura virus is primarily infected by sand flies that breed in waste, small, and dirty regions. Therefore, it is vital to maintain your surroundings clean. Avoid allowing water to stagnate. Keep children away from dustbins in public areas.
- Full Sleeves Clothing: This is another critical stage that is frequently disregarded and undervalued. Wear light clothing that totally covers the body. It will assist to limit the chance of being bitten or infected by sand flies or mosquitoes, particularly if the virus spreads like wildfire.
- Insect Repellants: Insecticide sprays can help eradicate the vector, according to specialists, who also advocate for steps to prevent the virus from spreading by decreasing sandfly populations.
- Bed Nets: Another health measure is to use insect repellents and bed nets when sleeping.
- Healthy Lifestyle: A nutrient-dense diet that boosts immunity is also required to resist infections.
The minister stated that cases have been reported from Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Kheda, Mehsana, and Rajkot districts.
Three patients from neighboring states—two from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh—have also been treated in Gujarat hospitals, according to Patel. He added that one of the two Rajasthan patients had died.”Mortality rate in the disease is high and it is difficult for a patient to survive if there is a delay in getting treatment,” he informed me.
As a preventive measure, more than 44,000 people were screened at 8,600 residences in 26 residential zones.
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