Healthshots
By Radhika Bhirani
Published July 23, 2024
Discovered in India in 1965, CHPV is named after the town Chandipura in Maharashtra, where the first cases were identified.
CHPV spreads primarily through sandfly bites or vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. It is prevalent in rural areas with high sandfly populations.
Children under 15 are most at risk, with outbreaks generally occurring mostly during monsoon or post-monsoon seasons.
Initial symptoms include high fever, headaches, and vomiting, resembling common viral infections. Severe cases progress rapidly to encephalitis, causing seizures, altered mental status, and sometimes coma.
Laboratory tests, including PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and serological assays, are used to confirm CHPV infection, especially during outbreaks. Otherwise, it is not routinely a part of encephalitis screenings.
No specific antiviral treatment exists to cure a person with Chandipura virus. Timely supportive care, such as managing fever and hydration, is crucial.
Severe cases require hospitalization for intensive care and monitoring to manage neurological complications.
Preventive measures include reducing sandfly exposure through insect repellent, bed nets, wearing of full-sleeved clothes, environmental control and reduced outdoor exposure during outbreaks.
As of now, no specific vaccine is available to prevent the Chandipura virus.
Raising awareness in affected regions about prevention and early symptoms can help control the spread of CHPV.