Chandipura Virus News: Dangerous Infection Takes Lives of 6 Children in Gujarat, Know How it Spreads

Chandipura Virus: The threat of the Chandipura virus is increasing in many parts of Gujarat, resulting in the deaths of six children and the twelve suspected cases. The Chandipura virus is a type of viral infection that first appeared in Maharashtra in 1966. Chandipura viral infection is typically found in children aged 9 months to 14 years. Two infected children are undergoing treatment in the civil hospital in Himmatnagar. Blood samples from all children have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.

What is Chandipura Virus?

This virus was discovered in Chandipur, Nagpur, so it was named Chandipura virus. After Maharashtra, this virus was reported in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat from 2004 to 2006 and 2019. Chandipura virus is an RNA virus that spreads primarily through female phlebotomine flies. It has flu-like symptoms and fever, and can cause severe encephalitis, causing swelling in the brain.