Health officials reported on Thursday that since June, 148 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) have been identified among children under 15 years of age across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. Of these, 51 cases have been confirmed to involve the Chandipura virus (CHPV).
A joint review conducted by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that 59 children have died due to AES. This syndrome manifests as brain inflammation and swelling, often caused by various pathogens and toxins.
“As of July 31, 148 AES cases (140 from 24 districts of Gujarat, 4 from Madhya Pradesh, 3 from Rajasthan & 1 from Maharashtra) have been reported, out of which 59 cases have died. The Chandipura Virus (CHPV) has been confirmed in 51 cases,” health authorities stated.
However, they also noted a decline in the daily number of new AES cases since July 19.
In response to the outbreak, Gujarat has implemented several public health measures, including insecticidal spraying for vector control, information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns, sensitization of medical personnel, and timely referrals to designated healthcare facilities.
Additionally, a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) has been deployed to assist the Gujarat government in executing public health measures and conducting a detailed epidemiological investigation.
CHPV, a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, is transmitted by vectors such as sand flies and ticks, particularly during the monsoon season. The disease predominantly affects children under 15 years old and can progress from a febrile illness to convulsions, coma, and, in severe cases, death.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for CHPV; management is symptomatic. Early detection, however, can improve outcomes. Health officials emphasize the importance of better vector control measures and improved hygiene to combat the spread of the virus.
