Chandipura Virus Infection

Overview: Chandipura virus (CHPV) is part of the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes viruses like the lyssavirus responsible for rabies. CHPV is transmitted primarily through vectors such as sandflies, specifically species like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, as well as certain mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti, which also spreads dengue. The virus inhabits the salivary glands of these insects and can be transmitted to humans and other vertebrates, such as domestic animals, through bites. Once infected, the virus can affect the central nervous system, potentially causing encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain’s active tissues.

Disease Progression: The disease caused by the Chandipura virus can progress very quickly. Symptoms can escalate from a high fever in the morning to more severe complications, such as kidney or liver damage, by evening.

Symptoms:

• Early Signs: The infection initially presents with flu-like symptoms, including sudden fever, body aches, and headaches.
• Advanced Symptoms: As the infection progresses, it may lead to altered mental states, seizures, and encephalitis. Additional symptoms may include respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, and anemia.
• Rapid Deterioration: Once encephalitis sets in, the disease can progress swiftly, often leading to death within 24-48 hours after hospitalization.

Demographic Impact: This infection predominantly affects children under the age of 15.

Treatment: Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for Chandipura virus infection. Management of the disease is primarily supportive, focusing on alleviating symptoms.

Geographic Distribution in India:

• First Isolation: The Chandipura virus was first identified in 1965 during an investigation into a dengue and chikungunya outbreak in Maharashtra.
• Major Outbreaks: One of the most notable outbreaks occurred in 2003-2004, affecting regions in Maharashtra, northern Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Endemic Regions: The virus remains largely endemic to central India, where there is a higher population of the sandflies and mosquitoes that transmit the infection.