4-year-old boy in Gujarat’s Bharuch dies of suspected Chandipura virus - Latest News

Bharuch, Gujarat – In a tragic turn of events, a four-year-old tribal boy from Bharuch district in Gujarat has died of suspected Chandipura Viral Encephalitis (CHPV) virus on Friday. The boy, a resident of Khareta village in Netrang taluk, succumbed to the disease while undergoing treatment at the GMERS Medical College-cum-Hospital in Vadodara.

Blood samples from the deceased have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune and the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar for confirmation. The state authorities are awaiting results to verify the presence of the Chandipura virus, which is primarily transmitted through sand flies, mosquitoes, and ticks.

Dr. J S Dhulera, the Bharuch district health officer, reported that the boy was suffering from high-grade fever, convulsions, and was in a semi-unconscious state. “He was rushed to Netrang Community Health Centre on Wednesday, and from there he was shifted to Civil Hospital at Rajpipla on Friday. Later, he was moved to GMERS Hospital, where he breathed his last on the hospital bed on Friday evening,” Dr. Dhulera said.

The suspected Chandipura virus has claimed 20 lives in Gujarat so far, with the number of positive cases rising to 37 as of July 25, according to a bulletin issued by the state government. Earlier, two boys with suspected symptoms of the virus were reported in the same taluk.

Dr. Dhulera added, “Out of the three samples sent to GBRC and NIV Pune, the report of the first suspected patient, a four-year-old boy from Ghanikhut village on July 23, turned up late on Friday and was found to be negative. The reports of the other two samples are still awaited.”

The recent surge in cases has prompted health officials to take swift action. An entomologist is scheduled to visit Ghanikhut and Khareta villages to assess the situation and implement necessary measures to control the spread of the virus.

What is Chandipura Virus?
Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a pathogen that causes acute encephalitis, primarily in children. It was first identified in the village of Chandipura in Maharashtra, India, in 1965. The virus is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the rabies virus. It is transmitted through the bites of sand flies, mosquitoes, and ticks.

Preventive Measures

1. Given the nature of transmission, the following preventive measures are recommended to protect against Chandipura virus:
2. Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Use products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
3. Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes to reduce skin exposure.
4. Install Screens: Use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes and sand flies out of living spaces.
5. Sleep Under Mosquito Nets: Especially important for children, use mosquito nets while sleeping to prevent bites.
6. Eliminate Breeding Sites: Remove standing water around homes, as these are common breeding sites for mosquitoes.
7. Use Bed Nets for Children: Ensure that children, especially infants, sleep under bed nets treated with insecticide.
8. Maintain Clean Surroundings: Keep the environment clean and dry to reduce the chances of sand fly breeding.
9. Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms like high-grade fever, convulsions, or altered consciousness appear, seek medical attention immediately.

Historical Context
Chandipura virus outbreaks have previously been reported in 2003–04 in parts of central India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the deaths of over 300 children. Health authorities are on high alert to prevent a similar tragedy from unfolding.

The community is urged to stay vigilant and take preventive measures to protect against mosquito and sand fly bites, as the state ramps up efforts to contain the outbreak and safeguard public health.