The Chandipura virus was first isolated in 1965 from the blood of two patients in the Chandipura village of Maharashtra, India, which is where the virus gets its name. It is part of the Rhabdoviridae family, closely related to the vesicular stomatitis virus and is primarily transmitted through sandflies, specifically the Phlebotomus species. Although the virus remained relatively obscure for decades, sporadic outbreaks over the years have brought it into the spotlight.

One of the most significant outbreaks occurred in Andhra Pradesh in 2003, where the virus claimed the lives of several children. Since then, cases have been reported sporadically in other states such as Gujarat and Maharashtra. The virus typically targets young children between the ages of 2 and 14, with a high case-fatality rate, often exceeding 50% in some outbreaks. This alarming mortality rate has made CHPV a focus of concern for public health authorities in India.

Transmission and Spread

The primary vector for the transmission of the Chandipura virus is the sandfly, a small insect that thrives in warm and humid environments. Sandflies are found in various parts of India, especially in rural areas with dense vegetation and poor sanitation. The virus is transmitted when an infected sandfly bites a human, introducing the virus into the bloodstream. Additionally, research suggests that other modes of transmission, such as direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected person, may also be possible, although further studies are needed to confirm these routes.

What makes the Chandipura virus particularly concerning is its potential for rapid spread during an outbreak. Rural areas with inadequate healthcare infrastructure are especially vulnerable, as the virus often goes undetected until multiple cases have been reported. The limited awareness about the disease and its symptoms among the general population contributes to delayed diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating the severity of outbreaks.

 Symptoms and Clinical Manifestations

One of the challenges in combating the Chandipura virus is its non-specific and rapidly progressing symptoms, which are often mistaken for other viral infections, such as dengue or encephalitis. The incubation period for the virus ranges from 2 to 7 days, after which the infected individual may experience symptoms such as:

High fever

Severe headache

Vomiting

Muscle pain

Convulsions

Altered consciousness

 In many cases, the infection can rapidly progress to acute encephalitis, characterized by inflammation of the brain, which leads to neurological symptoms such as seizures, confusion and even coma. In children, the progression from mild symptoms to severe neurological involvement can be alarmingly swift, often within 24 to 48 hours. If left untreated, this can result in death or long-term neurological damage.

Conclusion

The Chandipura virus, though relatively lesser-known compared to other viral diseases, poses a significant threat, particularly in rural India. Its ability to cause rapid, severe illness in young children makes it a matter of serious public health concern. As outbreaks continue to occur sporadically, there is an urgent need for improved vector control, public awareness and early diagnostic capabilities to mitigate the impact of this virus.

While research into vaccines and treatments progresses, the focus must remain on prevention and early intervention. By understanding the nature of the Chandipura virus and taking proactive steps, we can work towards minimizing the threat posed by this emerging pathogen.

By- Ms. Shivani Sinha 
Faculty of Biochemistry