Patients affected by the Kindipura virus are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Sabarkantha district of Gujarat. (PTI data map)
The latest cases confirmed in Dungarpur district have prompted the Rajasthan health department to issue emergency advisories aimed at curbing the spread of the virus
A month after an outbreak of Chindipura acute viral encephalitis (CHPV) occurred in Gujarat, the virus has now been detected in Rajasthan.
The latest confirmed cases in Dungarpur district have prompted the Rajasthan state medical and health department to issue emergency advisories aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
A total of 133 cases of viral encephalitis were reported in Gujarat in a month, of which 47 were caused by the Kindipura virus. The outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 56 people, with a quarter of the deaths directly linked to Chandipura, according to state health officials.
“Almost all the patients are children. As far as I know, this virus affects only children,” Gujarat health commissioner Harshad Patel told the news agency Reuters.
Rajasthan Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar has directed the state authorities to take strict measures to control the spread of the virus. The department has directed principals, chief medical health officers and chief medical officers of all medical colleges in the state to ensure necessary action is taken as per the recommendations.
What is Kindipura virus?
The virus was first discovered in 1965 in the village of Chandipura in Maharashtra and belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the rabies virus. In 2003, the virus caused widespread concern when a large outbreak occurred in Andhra Pradesh, affecting 329 children and killing 183 people.
The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of sandflies, particularly from species such as Sandflies and Sandflies, and some mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti, where the virus resides in the insect's salivary glands. The virus can also infect other vertebrates, including domestic animals, through bites.
According to the Ministry of Health, Kindipura virus is spread through vectors such as sandflies and ticks and the only available measures to combat the disease are vector control, good hygiene and awareness.
Impact of climate change
according to a report dialogueThe recent resurgence of Kindipura virus in India is likely to be related to climate change, with rising temperatures conducive to its spread.
Rising temperatures in recent years have led to an increase in vector-borne diseases, including Zika, dengue and Nipah viruses. A warming climate may expand the range of vectors and intensify the spread of these diseases.
Symptoms and treatment
The initial symptoms of Kindipura virus infection are similar to those of influenza and can rapidly progress to severe encephalitis, coma, and death within 24 to 48 hours. Children under 15 are particularly at risk. The infection is characterized by high fever, seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, and changes in mental status. Severe cases can lead to coma and death.
According to a report by three scientists, the main cause in most infected patients is encephalitis, an inflammation of active brain tissue. Some studies in India have also reported other symptoms such as respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies or anemia.
Currently, there is no antiviral treatment or vaccine for Kindipura virus. Preventive measures include vector control, maintaining good hygiene and raising awareness of the disease.
