Central Government Dispatches Expert Team to Address Chandipura Virus and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome Outbreaks in Gujarat

The ongoing health crisis in Gujarat concerning the outbreaks of Chandipura virus and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has prompted the central government to mobilize a specialized team of experts to assist the state’s health authorities. This decision was taken following a high-level review on Friday which revealed the necessity for in-depth investigations and collaborative efforts to control the rising number of cases.

According to reports, AES has resulted in the unfortunate fatality of approximately 28 individuals, particularly affecting children under the age of 15. This alarming trend has drawn the attention of the Union Health Ministry, leading to the formation of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of professionals from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Dr. Atul Goel, the Director General of Health Services, along with eminent experts from renowned institutions such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), participated in a comprehensive discussion. They assessed the current landscape of Chandipura virus and AES cases across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, highlighting that infectious agents are not the sole contributors to the AES cases nationwide.

Chandipura Virus, classified within the Rhabdoviridae family, is primarily known for instigating sporadic outbreaks particularly during the monsoon season across various regions of India. The virus is transmitted by vectors like sandflies and ticks, posing an increased risk to children, who account for the majority of reported cases. The government has issued warnings regarding the febrile nature of symptoms associated with the virus, which can sometimes escalate to severe outcomes including death.

The National Centre for Disease Control and its partnering agencies will focus on a detailed epidemiological assessment aimed at understanding how these diseases propagate within communities. This process helps in establishing effective control and preventive measures. Additionally, environmental and entomological assessments will be conducted to analyze factors such as climate, sanitation, and the behavior of vectors contributing to the outbreaks.

The multi-disciplinary team will be tasked with identifying crucial risk factors linked to these health challenges in Gujarat. An environmental assessment will scrutinize how local conditions might perpetuate the spread of these diseases, while an entomological study will delve into the ecology of the vectors responsible for transmission.

As of July 20, 2024, the situation remains dire, with a cumulative total of 78 cases of AES reported across three states: 75 cases from 21 districts in Gujarat, two from Rajasthan, and one from Madhya Pradesh. Of these cases, 28 have sadly culminated in fatalities, including nine confirmed cases of Chandipura virus in Gujarat alone.

To combat the outbreak effectively, it must be noted that there is currently no specific antiviral treatment available for patients afflicted with Chandipura Virus; hence, management is largely symptomatic. The health authorities and government agencies have stressed the importance of maintaining proper hygienic practices, raising public awareness, and implementing vector control strategies as the primary means of mitigation.

In light of the findings from the review meetings, health officials underscored the critical importance of timely medical intervention. Early referrals of suspected AES cases to designated healthcare facilities significantly enhance the potential for improved patient outcomes. The union government’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to safeguarding public health and addressing urgent healthcare challenges through collaborative efforts with state and local authorities.

With the monsoon season often exacerbating such health crises, stakeholders in the Gujarat government and the health sector are urged to take immediate steps to prevent further escalation. Intensified efforts in vector and disease control, paired with rigorous public health education campaigns, are crucial in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the vulnerable population.