Experts Review Chandipura Virus and AES Cases in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh
Professor Atul Goel from the Directorate General of Health Services, along with experts from AIIMS, Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital, and NIMHANS, reviewed the cases of Chandipura virus and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
After a detailed discussion, the experts concluded that infectious agents contribute to only a small proportion of AES cases across the country. They emphasized the need for comprehensive studies of the AES cases reported in Gujarat. A multidisciplinary central team from NCDC, ICMR, and DAHD will assist Gujarat with these investigations.
Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) is a group of neurologic manifestations caused by various agents like viruses, bacteria, and toxins. Chandipura Virus (CHPV), a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, is known to cause outbreaks, especially during the monsoon season, and is transmitted by vectors such as sand flies and ticks. The disease mainly affects children under 15 years of age and can result in death.
Since early June 2024, 78 AES cases have been reported in children under 15 years of age in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Of these, 28 cases have resulted in death. Among the 76 samples tested, 9 were confirmed positive for Chandipura Virus, all from Gujarat.
Doubts Revealed
Chandipura Virus -: Chandipura Virus is a type of virus that can cause fever and brain inflammation. It is named after a village in India where it was first discovered.
AES -: AES stands for Acute Encephalitis Syndrome. It is a condition where the brain gets inflamed, causing symptoms like fever, headache, and confusion.
Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh -: These are states in India. Gujarat is in the west, Rajasthan is in the northwest, and Madhya Pradesh is in the central part of India.
Professor Atul Goel -: Professor Atul Goel is a medical expert who studies diseases and helps find ways to treat them.
AIIMS -: AIIMS stands for All India Institute of Medical Sciences. It is a group of public medical colleges in India known for high-quality medical education and research.
Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital -: Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital is a well-known hospital in India that specializes in treating children.
NIMHANS -: NIMHANS stands for National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences. It is a medical institution in India that focuses on mental health and brain-related diseases.
Multidisciplinary team -: A multidisciplinary team is a group of experts from different fields who work together to solve a problem. In this case, they are helping to investigate the disease.
Infectious agents -: Infectious agents are tiny organisms like bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases.
