What is Chandipura virus? Check causes, symptoms, treatment
Gujarat health minister Rushikesh Patel confirmed the state's first death due to the Chandipura virus.
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The confirmation took the toll from a potential outbreak to 14 in around two weeks across India.
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A total of 26 suspected cases in the state have been reported so far and are awaiting confirmation.
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Chandipura vesiculovirus(CHPV) is commonly known as the Chandipura virus.
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Chandipura virus causes fever, with symptoms similar to flu, and acute encephalitis which leads to inflammation of the brain.
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The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae.
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More than 18,000 people have been screened for symptoms so far. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies.
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From April to June 1965, Nagpur witnessed the outbreak of this virus which caused fever.
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A Pune-based Virus Research Centre in its research paper then classified the Chandipura virus as an arbovirus, a type of virus transmitted through arthropod vectors.
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The Chandipura virus is often characterised by a sudden high fever followed by seizures, diarrhoea, vomiting, and reduced awareness of surroundings which can ultimately lead to death.
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There is no specific antiviral treatment available for the Chandipura virus. Emergency treatment is aimed at protecting the neurons or nerve cells due to lack of blood flow.