15 Tips to Prevent Chandipura Virus

What is Chandipura Virus?

The Chandipura virus (CHPV) belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes rabies. The Chandipura virus is suspected to have spread across multiple districts in Gujarat and is believed to be the cause of death of at least 15 children so far. This is not the first outbreak of Chandipura virus in the country. The Chandipura virus, the paper states were first isolated in 1965 from the blood of two adults with a febrile illness in a Chandipura village, in Nagpur, in Maharashtra. The virus is reportedly named after the village it was isolated from.

According to one article, the other instance when the virus was isolated in human beings was in 1980 in Madhya Pradesh, from a patient with acute encephalitis. According to one study, there were outbreaks in 2003-2004 in parts of Central India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, that caused the deaths of over 300 children.

How is it transmitted?

It is transmitted by sand flies and mosquitoes, including aedes aegypti, which is also vector for dengue. The virus resides in the salivary glands to these insects and can be transmitted to humans or domestic animals through bites. This infection can lead to encephalitis and inflammation of the brain’s active tissues. The virus is spread by the female phlebotomine sandflies, which is abundant during the early monsoon season.

Where are sand flies found?

Adults sand flies often inhabit rock crevices, caves and rodent burrows, and in peridomestic settings rest in cool, dark and humid corners of animal shelters. They are also attracted to darker clothing. Sandflies are also more likely to be found within around 10 meters of running water.

Know the symptoms of chandipura virus:

The virus predominantly affects children under the age of 15, mostly in rural areas.

• Typical onset of sudden fever
• Cold and Cough,
• High grade fever (102f to 103f),
• Vomiting,
• Fatigue,
• Body pain,
• Nausea,
• Diarrhoea,
• Changes in mental status,
• Convulsion,
• Coma,
• Respiratory failure,
• Cardiac arrest,
• Sometimes impaired neurological functions (Difficulty in speaking, loss of balance and vision changes),
• Meningeal irritation such as headache, stiff neck and sensitivity to light.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical presentation
• Laboratory tests (ELISA, RT-PCR)
• Neuroimaging (CT/MRI scans)

Prevention for Chandipura virus:

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for the Chandipura virus. Early diagnosis and supportive care are the main line of treatment for Chandipura virus. Managing airways, fluid balance and the prevention of secondary bacterial infections are essential for patient management.

15 tips to precautions for Chandipura virus:

• These flies are attracted to darker clothing, so wear lighter colors and try to cover up as much as possible.
• Washing hands regularly with soap and water, especially after handling animals.
• They don’t bite through clothes, so wear full sleeve of clothes.
• Use bed nets while sleeping.
• Use insect repellents to reduce risk of sandflies bites. (neem and eucalyptus repellents)
• Try not to get wet for a long time and keep your surroundings clean.
• Make sure there are no potential sandflies breeding grounds in your locality.
• Children with severe symptoms are required to be hospitalized.
• Ensure proper hydration, especially in severe cases of vomiting.
• In severe neurological symptoms, intensive care is often considered necessary to manage the respiratory and neurological complications.
• To reduce fever, proper medication is required and Anticonvulsant medicines in seizures.
• Vitamin C rich foods to boost immunity. (Oranges, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, brussels sprout and potatoes).
• According to Ayurveda, Balchaturbhadra Syrup (1-1 teaspoon twice a day below 5 years of children and 2-2 teaspoon twice a day above 5 years of children) and Balchaturbhadra powder (1/2 spoon thrice a day with honey). It is the best immunity booster for any age of children. Balchaturbhadra contains 4 ayurvedic herbs like Guduchi (Anti-pyretic), Dry ginger (Boost digestion), Ativisha (Boost metabolism) and Musta (anti-pyretic and liver tonic). These 4 herbs help to boost immunity, digestion, metabolism and liver detoxification.
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is best single immunomodulator to boost immunity, but it has very bitter taste and difficult to consume for children. So Guduchi Satva is very easy to consume for children. It is recommended 1/4 teaspoon twice a day.
• In ayurveda, one combination of 5 powders is very beneficial to boost immune system in children, who have allergic rhinitis often. Sitopladi powder (100gm), Yastimadhu powder (100 gm), Vasa powder (50 gm), Trikatu powder (25 gm) and Haldi (50 mg). Mix all together and give 1/2 teaspoon with honey twice a day.

Conclusion:

Chandipura virus is a rare but potentially deadly viral infection that affects the brain and central nervous system. Chandipura virus is a zoonotic virus transmitted through the bite of an infected sandfly. It primarily affects children and young adults, causing acute encephalitis, which can lead to severe brain damage, and even death.

The virus is typically active during the monsoon season from June to September. Early recognition, prompt medical attention and supportive care are crucial for improving outcomes. Public awareness, vector control measures and research into effective treatments and vaccines are essential for combating this deadly virus. To know more about overall wellness and how to boost immunity naturally, read my latest book, the magical ways for sparkling lifestyle and follow my Instagram page.