Gujarat faces a Chandipura virus outbreak, with 20 suspected deaths. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviews the situation as health officials take measures to curb the spread.
20 Suspected Chandipura Virus Deaths in Gujarat, CM Reviews Situation
Gujarat, July 18, 2024 – The suspected Chandipura virus has claimed 20 lives in Gujarat, with two more deaths reported from Ahmedabad. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a review meeting with district health officials to discuss precautions to curb the virus’s spread.
Six children in Aaravalli district have died due to the suspected virus, which causes high fever and severe headaches. The virus is believed to have spread across multiple districts, resulting in at least 15 children’s deaths so far.
Current Situation
The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune has confirmed that only two of the 18 samples sent for testing are positive for the virus. Despite this, district health officers have reported 20 deaths of patients with suspected Chandipura viral encephalitis (CHPV).
Among the deceased are two children from Panchmahal district, including a four-year-old girl from Kotda village who died at SSG Hospital in Vadodara. An eight-year-old boy from Ghoghambha also succumbed earlier this month.
Currently, 35 patients with suspected CHPV are admitted to various civil hospitals. Dr. Ranjan Aiyer, Medical Superintendent of SSG Hospital, stated that one of the patients is in critical condition in the pediatric ICU.
Preventive Measures
The district health department in Panchmahal has collected sand fly samples for testing at NIV. In Ahmedabad, the deaths of two children with suspected CHPV have been recorded, including a one-year-old girl. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is conducting surveys and fogging operations in affected areas.
Expert Insights
An NIV expert highlighted the transient nature of CHPV, which makes antibody detection challenging. The expert recommended collecting second samples from recovered patients to test for antibodies. The virus typically stays in the body for only three to four days, affecting test results based on the sample collection time.
Government Response
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed district health officers to implement measures such as dusting malathion powder in rural areas and repairing crevices in homes to prevent further spread. The government is also setting up intensive care units in districts to manage the virus’s rapid onset.
Historical Context
The Chandipura virus, first identified in 1965 in Maharashtra, primarily affects children and causes encephalitis, leading to severe symptoms like fever, vomiting, and convulsions. There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for the virus, making early diagnosis and supportive care crucial.
Current Outbreak
The death toll in Gujarat has reached 15, with 29 reported cases, including two from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh. Preventive measures have been launched, with over 50,000 people screened. The state health department is on high alert, expecting more cases to emerge.
The situation is reminiscent of previous outbreaks in 2003-04 in central India, which caused over 300 children’s deaths. Health officials continue to monitor and respond to the current outbreak to prevent further fatalities.
References:
- 20 suspected Chandipura virus deaths in Gujarat, CM reviews situation – Indian Express
- Explained | What is the Chandipura virus? – The Hindu
- Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat: All about the deadly infection – India Today
- 4-year-old child’s death confirmed as Gujarat’s first due to Chandipura virus – Hindustan Times
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