Context:

Chandipura Virus (CHPV) cases are reportedly increasing in Gujarat.

More on the news

• The number of fatalities attributed to the infection in the state increased to 8, with cases up to 15.
• The Gujarat State Health Department had undertaken intensive surveillance of the affected districts Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Kheda, Mehsana, and Rajkot.

About Chandipura Virus (CHPV):

• Chandipura virus (CHPV), is an arbovirus (transmitted by insects) belonging to the genus Vesiculovirus in the family Rhabdoviridae.
• The first CHPV was discovered during an acute febrile outbreak in Nagpur, Maharashtra in 1965.
• CHPV has a single-stranded Ribonucleic acid (RNA) genome with negative polarity. 
• Children under 15 years of age are most susceptible to natural infection.
• Sandflies, drain flies, and ticks are considered to be important vector of the virus.

Symptoms

• It can cause a sudden onset of high fever followed by seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, and reduced awareness of surroundings.
• This is because CHPV is an encephalitis which is inflammation of active brain tissues.

Treatment

• • There is no specific antiviral treatment available for the Chandipura virus. Though, Medications such as mannitol and furosemide, which are decongestants are used to prevent swelling of the brain. 
• • Diagnosis of CHPV involves tests like IgM Elisa (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction).