Cases of Chandipura virus being reported in many cities of Gujarat for about two months remain a cause of concern for health experts. According to the report released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, so far 51 cases have been confirmed in the state. Chandipura virus has been seen to cause the risk of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), which health experts consider to be serious and life-threatening. AES cases in young children can be serious and life-threatening.
Since the beginning of June, several cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) have been reported in children under the age of 15 in Gujarat. As of 31 July 2024, 148 cases of AES have been reported in the country. Of these, 140 cases have been reported from 24 districts of Gujarat, 4 from Madhya Pradesh, 3 from Rajasthan, and 1 from Maharashtra. So far 59 people have died due to AES.
Health experts have alerted all people about the risks of Chandipura and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome.
Chandipura virus also reached Rajasthan
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) has also been deployed to assist the Gujarat government in health measures and conducting detailed investigations regarding the epidemic.
According to media reports, the threat of the Chandipura virus is increasing in many states including Gujarat, due to which health experts are worried. After Gujarat, the threat of this viral infection is now being seen in Rajasthan as well.
Know about the Chandipura virus
Cases of the Chandipura virus have been considered quite rare, but there is a risk of fatal conditions arising in the infected. This infection, which begins with symptoms like fever, and flu, can cause encephalitis in children. In severe conditions, it also poses a risk of coma and even death. The mortality rate due to this infection has been seen to be between 56 and 75 percent. In severe cases of infection, acute encephalitis (swelling of the brain) may occur.
AES may cause symptoms such as confusion, seizures, weakness, and loss of sensation which require immediate medical attention.
How to protect children from infection?
Health experts say efforts should be made to keep children safe from this infectious disease. Avoid going to fields or bushes in the affected areas. Protect yourself from mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. It becomes most important to know about the symptoms of infection and get timely treatment. Hygiene and awareness are the only measures available against this disease.
There is no proper cure for the Chandipura virus yet. Timely detection of infection and treatment can save the patient's life.
(PC: ISTOCK)
