CHPV: Know What Is Chandipura Virus And Its Symptoms That Claimed 15 Lives So Far In Gujarat

After Covid-19, another deadly virus, Chandipura (CHPV), has created a panic-like situation. According to the reports, Chandipura (CHPV) has so far claimed 15 lives in Gujarat and many are infected. Shedding light on the situation, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel told the media that patients from Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar and Kheda districts were found positive, who are currently receiving treatment and are under observation.

He also informed that some patients belongs from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh too, who are being admitted to Gujarat's hospitals.

What Is Chandipura (CHPV):

As per the findings so far, the Chanipura virus (CHPV) belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and has some mix of Lyssavirus, a main cause of rabies. It was surprising for the scientists that this virus also has some species of sandflies like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, and some mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti.

Researchers have found that this virus resides in the salivary gland of insects, and can be transmitted to humans if such flies bite.

What Are Symptoms Of Chandipura (CHPV):

In Chandipura (CHPV) infected people, some symptoms of rabies: like rash, redness, itching and skin infection, along with Symptoms of Dengue: Like yellow fever, high fever, and sudden weakness in the body were found. The virus can also affect the central nervous system of a person, which may lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the active tissues of the brain).

The infection often progresses rapidly after encephalitis, which may then lead to mortality within 24-48 hours of hospitalisation, according to studies.

According to the doctors, the virus susceptibility targets children below 15 years.