Context

Chandipura Virus (CHPV) has re-emerged as a serious public health concern after Gujarat reported multiple cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) during the 2026 monsoon season. According to the Gujarat Health Department, 22 children lost their lives, while 35 children tested positive out of 184 suspected cases, with several samples still under investigation. The outbreak has once again highlighted the threat posed by vector-borne viral diseases during the monsoon season, particularly among children. In response, health authorities have intensified surveillance, hospital preparedness, vector control measures, and public awareness campaigns to prevent further transmission.

What is Chandipura Virus (CHPV)?

• Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a vector-borne arbovirus belonging to the family Rhabdoviridae and the genus Vesiculoviru
• e ICMR–National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have been reported mainly from western and central India, particularly during the monsoon season.

Transmission and Clinical Features

• Unlike diseases transmitted through direct human contact, Chandipura Virus spreads mainly through the bite of infected female sandflies (Phlebotomine sandflies), particularly Phlebotomus papatasi and Phlebotomus argentipes.
• Certain mosquito species and ticks have also been identified as potential secondary vectors, although sandflies remain the principal mode of transmission in India. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, making humans accidental or dead-end hosts.
• The disease predominantly affects children below 15 years of age, especially those between 9 months and 14 years, whose immune systems are still developing. After infection, patients develop sudden high fever, vomiting, severe headache, altered consciousness, convulsions, and rapidly progressive neurological complications.
• In severe cases, the infection causes brain inflammation, multiple organ failure, coma, and death. One of the most alarming characteristics of CHPV infection is its rapid progression, with fatalities occurring within 24–48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Reported case fatality rates range between 55% and 75%, making it one of India's most dangerous viral encephalitis diseases.

Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

• Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in reducing mortality. Laboratory confirmation is primarily carried out using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and ELISA-based serological tests.
• However, there is no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral medicine available for Chandipura Virus. Consequently, treatment remains entirely supportive, focusing on intensive care, seizure management, hydration, respiratory support, and reduction of brain swelling.
• Since the disease is vector-borne, prevention largely depends upon sandfly control. Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) using synthetic pyrethroid insecticides, environmental sanitation, removal of breeding habitats, and improved housing conditions significantly reduce transmission.
• During the Gujarat outbreak, the State Government intensified pesticide spraying in animal husbandry areas and strengthened surveillance across affected districts while ensuring specialised treatment facilities in major civil hospitals.

Indian Government Initiatives to Control Viral Diseases

India has adopted several national programmes and surveillance mechanisms to control viral diseases and rapidly respond to outbreaks.

Conclusion

• Although Chandipura Virus remains geographically restricted compared to many other viral diseases, its extremely high fatality rate and rapid neurological deterioration make it a significant public health challenge.
• The absence of a vaccine or specific antiviral therapy places greater emphasis on early diagnosis, supportive treatment, vector control, environmental sanitation, and continuous surveillance. Strengthening India's disease monitoring systems, expanding laboratory facilities, and promoting preventive community participation will remain critical for minimizing future outbreaks and protecting vulnerable children.

Major Diseases Caused by Viruses