Chandipura Virus Outbreak: Six Children Died, 12 Cases Reported
In the past five days, Gujarat has reported six deaths among children due to a suspected outbreak of the Chandipura virus. State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel confirmed that the total number of suspected cases has now reached 12.
Overview of Chandipura Virus
It typically causes fever and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), presenting with flu-like symptoms. The virus is transmitted through vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies.
Distribution of Cases
Among the 12 suspected cases, four are from Sabarkantha district, three from Aravalli, and one each from Mahisagar and Kheda. Additionally, two patients from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh, who were treated in Gujarat, are also among the suspected cases.
Deaths and Sample Testing
Out of the six reported deaths, five occurred at the civil hospital in Himatnagar, Sabarkantha district. Twelve samples, eight from Sabarkantha, were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for confirmation.
Specific Observations
- Sleep: Each additional hour of sleep per night was associated with a 9% reduction in psychological distress.
- Physical Activity: Each additional day of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week was linked to a 3% reduction in psychological distress.
- Fruit and Vegetable Intake: Each additional daily serving of fruit or vegetables was linked to a 4% reduction in psychological distress.
- Screen Time: Each additional hour of screen time was associated with a 2% increase in psychological distress.
- Junk Food and Sugary Drinks: Each additional unit increase in junk food or sugary drink consumption was linked to a 2% increase in psychological distress.
- Alcohol and Smoking: Switching from not drinking or smoking in Year 7 to drinking or smoking in Year 10 was associated with a 17% and 36% increase in psychological distress, respectively.
Initial Suspicions and Testing
Paediatricians at the Himatnagar Civil Hospital first suspected Chandipura virus as the cause of death for four children on July 10 and sent their samples to NIV. Four more children at the hospital exhibited similar symptoms.
The confirmation of the Chandipura virus as the cause of these cases will depend on the results from the sample tests.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
