On July 17, 2024, the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune confirmed the unfortunate demise of a four-year-old girl in Gujarat due to the Chandipura virus. This incident marks a tragic escalation in the outbreak, with the death toll of suspected cases now reaching 15. Across nearly a dozen districts, a total of 29 cases have been reported. Among these, Gujarat has reported 26 cases, followed by two cases in Rajasthan, and one in Madhya Pradesh. Of the reported fatalities, 13 occurred in Gujarat, while one each was reported from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Responding swiftly to the crisis, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel announced proactive measures in the affected districts. Over 50,000 individuals have been screened, and all district and rural hospitals have been instructed to promptly send samples of suspected cases to NIV for testing. Officials anticipate a rise in the number of cases in the coming days as more reports are confirmed by NIV.

This outbreak is not unprecedented in India. Previous instances in 2003-04 saw outbreaks in central Indian states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, claiming the lives of over 300 children.

What is the Chandipura virus?

According to 'Chandipura virus: an emerging human pathogen?' published in The Lancet in 2004, the Chandipura virus belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the rabies virus. First isolated in 1965 from the blood of two adults with febrile illness in a village in Nagpur, Maharashtra, the virus derives its name from the village where it was first discovered. Another instance of isolation occurred in 1980 in Madhya Pradesh from a patient with acute encephalitis.

How is it transmitted?

The Chandipura virus is primarily transmitted by vector-borne means, with the female Phlebotomine sandfly believed to be the likely vector. These sandflies are prevalent during the early monsoon period. Research published in 'Changing clinical scenario in Chandipura virus infection' in The Indian Journal of Medical Research in 2016 also highlighted the role of Sergentomyia sandflies. Experimental studies indicated that several mosquito species could replicate and transmit the virus, with Aedes aegypti, known for transmitting dengue fever, proving highly susceptible under laboratory conditions.

As of now, no cases of the virus have been isolated from mosquitoes in the field.

This recent outbreak underscores the critical need for continued vigilance and swift public health responses to mitigate the spread of the Chandipura virus in affected regions.

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