Chandipura virus cases are rising across Gujarat, particularly in rural area.Several children lost their lives due to infection, raising serious public health concerns.
Chandipura virus was named after Chandipura village in Maharashtra where it was first identified. Since then it has been known as Chandipura virus.
Chandipura virus is commonly transmitted by sandflies which generally breed on cracks of mud walls, cattle shed and unhygienic surroundings. It is also evidenced Aedes mosquitos are also responsible for its transmission.
Symptoms of Chandipura virus are predominantly found in children whose age is below 14 years. Common symptoms include high fever ranging from 100°-105°c, severe headache, vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures(convulsions). This has a high fatality rate as children can die within 24-48 hours after getting infected. However not every infected child dies. Early diagnosis with proper medical supervision can prevent fatality.
Here are some precautions to prevent its spread:
- Fill cracks in walls especially mud walls
- Avoid water stagnation by not storing water unnecessarily.
- Use mosquito net while sleeping, especially for children.
- Wear protective clothes to avoid insect bites.
- Keep the surrounding clean by regularly removing garbage and organic waste.
- If a child develops symptoms suggesting Chandipura virus infection, rush to the nearest hospital and seek medical treatment immediately without panicking.
- Remember! Early treatment can save your child’s life!
