North India Statesman
[ad_1]
Chandipura virus cases are continuously increasing in the country. Many children have died due to this virus. Chandipura virus cases were found in Gujarat, but now it is spreading to other states as well. The virus travels from the lungs to the brain and causes death.
The number of children who died of the dangerous Chandipura virus in four states of the country has increased to 12. According to sources in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Institute of Virology (NIV Pune) has been put on alert. The mortality rate in this disease is up to 50 percent. Dr. M. Vajpayee, former head of pediatrics at AIIMS New Delhi, said that screening and all kinds of measures are being taken by the Gujarat Health Ministry. He said that it spreads very fast in the brain. Dr. M. Vajpayee said that this disease also spreads through liquids. He said that work is going on on its vaccine but no success has been achieved so far.
Kehar of Chandipura is also included in these cities
After spreading in Gujarat, the Chandipur virus has infected children in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Blood samples of all the children have been sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune for confirmation of NIV. Cases have been reported in Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar and Rajkot in Gujarat. The Gujarat Health Ministry has claimed that 8600 people have been tested so far in Chandipur, where the virus outbreak has been reported. The entire area here has been divided into 26 zones.
The child soon goes into a coma
Dr. M. Vajpayee said that in this disease, when Chandipur virus infection occurs, the virus goes directly to the brain through the lungs. This pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family. It is spread by vectors including mosquitoes, ticks and sand flies. Flu-like symptoms are usually seen in children. The problem of vomiting, diarrhea and body pain is increasing in children. Soon the child goes into a coma. The brain swells and then the child dies.
Surveillance in Chandipur virus endemic districts
If sources are to be believed, surveillance has been increased rapidly in those areas of Gujarat where virus infection is being reported. Along with this, advisories are also being issued through social media and other means. Guidelines are being issued to treat suspected patients on priority basis in these areas.
When was this virus identified?
This virus was first identified in 1966 in Chandipur, Nagpur, Maharashtra. This is why it is named Chandipura virus. After this, this virus appeared in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat in the years 2004 to 2006 and 2019. During this period, the mortality rate was 56 to 75 percent. Chandipura virus is an RNA virus, which is usually spread by female phlebotomine flies.
