Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Aug 30, 2024 2:20:41 GMT
India Witnesses Largest Chandipura Virus Outbreak in 20 Years: WHO - Published Aug 28, 2024
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that the current outbreak of the Chandipura virus in India is the largest in two decades. Between early June and August 15, the Ministry of Health documented 245 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), including 82 fatalities, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 33%. Forty-three districts in India are currently reporting AES cases, with 64 confirmed as Chandipura virus (CHPV) infections.
CHPV is endemic to India, with outbreaks occurring regularly. However, this outbreak is the largest in the past 20 years, according to WHO's Disease Outbreak news on August 23. The virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and causes sporadic AES cases in western, central, and southern India, especially during monsoon seasons. Gujarat sees a rise in CHPV outbreaks every four to five years.
Transmission and Fatality Rates
CHPV is transmitted by vectors such as sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks. The CFR from CHPV infection is notably high, ranging from 56% to 75%. There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for CHPV. Early access to care and intensive supportive care can increase survival rates, according to WHO.
Surveillance efforts need enhancement in high-risk areas, focusing on children below 15 years presenting with acute onset fever and central nervous system symptoms. Laboratory diagnostic capacities should be ensured for timely collection, transport, and testing of serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples for serological and virological investigation at referral laboratories.
Historical Context and Current Measures
In 2003, Andhra Pradesh experienced a large AES outbreak with 329 suspected cases and 183 deaths. A study suggests CHPV was responsible. Although authorities are working to control the virus's transmission, further spread is possible due to favourable conditions for vector populations during the monsoon season.
The WHO recommended vector control measures and protection against bites from sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks to prevent further spread of CHPV. The Union health ministry has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to assist Gujarat in public health measures and detailed epidemiological investigation into the outbreak.
Comprehensive insecticidal spraying and fumigation are being conducted to control vectors transmitting the virus. Initiatives are also underway to inform the public and medical personnel about the virus, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
Research and Monitoring Efforts
The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) is actively researching other viruses causing encephalitis and closely monitoring the situation. A declining trend in new AES cases has been observed daily since July 19. To date, no human-to-human transmission has been reported.
The WHO emphasised that surveillance should be enhanced in high-risk areas. It is crucial to ensure laboratory diagnostic capacities for timely collection, transport, and testing of serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples for serological and virological investigation at referral laboratories.
Efforts by authorities aim to control CHPV transmission effectively. However, further transmission remains possible as monsoon conditions favour vector populations in affected areas.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that the current outbreak of the Chandipura virus in India is the largest in two decades. Between early June and August 15, the Ministry of Health documented 245 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), including 82 fatalities, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 33%. Forty-three districts in India are currently reporting AES cases, with 64 confirmed as Chandipura virus (CHPV) infections.
CHPV is endemic to India, with outbreaks occurring regularly. However, this outbreak is the largest in the past 20 years, according to WHO's Disease Outbreak news on August 23. The virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and causes sporadic AES cases in western, central, and southern India, especially during monsoon seasons. Gujarat sees a rise in CHPV outbreaks every four to five years.
Transmission and Fatality Rates
CHPV is transmitted by vectors such as sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks. The CFR from CHPV infection is notably high, ranging from 56% to 75%. There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for CHPV. Early access to care and intensive supportive care can increase survival rates, according to WHO.
Surveillance efforts need enhancement in high-risk areas, focusing on children below 15 years presenting with acute onset fever and central nervous system symptoms. Laboratory diagnostic capacities should be ensured for timely collection, transport, and testing of serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples for serological and virological investigation at referral laboratories.
Historical Context and Current Measures
In 2003, Andhra Pradesh experienced a large AES outbreak with 329 suspected cases and 183 deaths. A study suggests CHPV was responsible. Although authorities are working to control the virus's transmission, further spread is possible due to favourable conditions for vector populations during the monsoon season.
The WHO recommended vector control measures and protection against bites from sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks to prevent further spread of CHPV. The Union health ministry has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to assist Gujarat in public health measures and detailed epidemiological investigation into the outbreak.
Comprehensive insecticidal spraying and fumigation are being conducted to control vectors transmitting the virus. Initiatives are also underway to inform the public and medical personnel about the virus, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
Research and Monitoring Efforts
The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) is actively researching other viruses causing encephalitis and closely monitoring the situation. A declining trend in new AES cases has been observed daily since July 19. To date, no human-to-human transmission has been reported.
The WHO emphasised that surveillance should be enhanced in high-risk areas. It is crucial to ensure laboratory diagnostic capacities for timely collection, transport, and testing of serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples for serological and virological investigation at referral laboratories.
Efforts by authorities aim to control CHPV transmission effectively. However, further transmission remains possible as monsoon conditions favour vector populations in affected areas.