Many countries of the world are troubled by monkeypox infection these days. From Africa to the US and Asian countries, the outbreak of this viral infection is being seen. Looking at the risks, the Government of India has also issued an alert. Amidst the ongoing threat of monkeypox, the infection of the Chandipura virus in the country is also a cause of concern for the people.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said in a recently issued alert that after nearly two decades, India is facing a dangerous outbreak of the Chandipura virus. Health experts consider Chandipura virus infection to be serious in both the severity of infection and disease.
In July this year, cases of the Chandipura virus were reported in some parts of Gujarat. After this, this infection reached Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan as well. According to media reports, from June to August 15 this year, 245 cases of Chandipura infection and its caused acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) have been reported in India, in which 82 patients have also died. Health experts have appealed to all people to continue taking special precautions.
Cases reported from many districts
A report by news agency PTI shows that currently AES cases have been reported from 43 districts of India. Chandipura virus (CHPV), a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, is more prone to infection in rural areas. It mostly affects children and initially produces influenza-like symptoms. Its infection spreads through the bites of mosquitoes, ticks, and some types of flies.
Timely diagnosis of infection is important
Studies conducted on the risks of the Chandipura virus show that if the symptoms are identified in patients in time and proper supportive care is given, then the chances of survival increase. WHO said that it is important to ensure that rapid diagnostic facilities are available in laboratories so that sample testing results can be obtained quickly.
What does WHO say?
WHO said, CHPV is in the endemic stage in India and its outbreak has occurred earlier as well. However, the current outbreak is the largest in the last 20 years. There is no risk of it spreading from an infected person to other people. Avoid going to fields or bushes in the affected areas, there may be a risk of infection from insect and tick bites here.
Let us understand about Chandipura virus and the problems caused by it in five points.
Know about Chandipura infection
1. Cases of Chandipura infection have been quite rare, but the risk of fatal conditions arising due to it is high.
2. This infection, which starts with fever, and flu-like symptoms, can cause encephalitis in children.
3. 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 56 to 75 percent.
4. This infection spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. It becomes most important to know about the symptoms of the infection and get timely treatment. Hygiene and awareness are the only measures available against this disease.
5. Since Chandipura virus infection is quite rare, there is no proper treatment for it yet. However, timely detection of the infection and initiation of supportive treatment can reduce the risk of it becoming a severe and brain-related disorder.
(PC: ISTOCK)
