Gujarat Reports Chandipura Virus Outbreak with High Child Mortality

Health authorities in Gujarat reported heightened surveillance following 184 suspected cases and 22 confirmed deaths linked to the Chandipura Virus (CHPV) during the monsoon season. The outbreak has prompted immediate public health interventions across affected rural and urban districts.

Chandipura virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and was first isolated in 1965 in Chandipura village, Maharashtra. It primarily affects children under 15 years of age, causing acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) characterized by rapid onset of fever, altered sensorium, and high mortality rates.

The vector responsible for transmitting the pathogen is the female phlebotomine sandfly, along with vector roles played by certain mosquito species. Key scientific parameters include transmission pathways, lack of specific antiviral treatment, and reliance on intensive symptomatic management.

Public health and biological science topics are heavily featured in General Studies. Questions often cover viral vectors, endemic diseases, national vector-borne disease control initiatives, and emergency public health response mechanisms.