Chandipura Virus Claims 22 Lives in Gujarat: Deadly Infection Can Attack the Brain Within Hours

Chandipura Virus Outbreak in Gujarat: How This Fast-Acting Infection Can Damage the Brain Within Hours

A fresh outbreak of the Chandipura virus in Gujarat has sparked concern after 22 children died and 35 infections were confirmed among 184 suspected cases. As the number of cases rises, the Centre has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and neighbouring Rajasthan to strengthen surveillance, testing and containment efforts.

According to Gujarat Health Minister Praful Panseriya, several critically ill children are undergoing treatment in intensive care units (ICUs), with many requiring ventilator and oxygen support.

Though Chandipura virus is not new to India, doctors warn that its ability to rapidly attack the brain, particularly in young children, makes it one of the country’s most dangerous viral infections.

What Is Chandipura Virus?

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a vector-borne virus that spreads mainly through the bite of infected sandflies, though mosquitoes and ticks are also believed to contribute to transmission. There is no evidence of human-to-human spread.

The virus causes Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), a life-threatening condition marked by inflammation of the brain. It was first identified in 1965 during an outbreak of a dengue-like illness in Chandipur village in Maharashtra, from which it gets its name.

India has witnessed several outbreaks over the past two decades, especially during the monsoon season, when sandfly populations increase. Gujarat has remained one of the worst-affected states, while outbreaks have also been reported from Andhra Pradesh and other parts of western, central and southern India.

How Does Chandipura Virus Affect the Brain?

The biggest danger posed by Chandipura virus is its ability to invade the central nervous system within a very short period.

The illness usually begins with symptoms similar to a common viral infection, including high fever, headache and vomiting. However, the virus can quickly reach the brain, triggering Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, which causes severe inflammation and swelling of brain tissue.

Once the brain is affected, children may develop:

• Seizures
• Confusion or altered consciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Paralysis
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma

Doctors say neurological damage can occur within 24 to 48 hours of the first symptoms, making early diagnosis and immediate hospitalisation crucial.

According to studies cited by the World Health Organization (WHO), Chandipura virus has a case fatality rate of 56% to 75%, making it one of India’s deadliest viral encephalitis infections.

Common Symptoms

Parents should seek urgent medical care if a child develops:

• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Confusion or reduced responsiveness
• Excessive irritability
• Loss of coordination
• Extreme weakness
• Coma in severe cases

Although the infection may initially resemble a routine viral illness, it can deteriorate rapidly.

Why Are Children Most at Risk?

Most severe infections occur in children below 15 years, especially those under five.

Doctors say younger children are more vulnerable because their blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from infections, is not yet fully developed. This allows the virus to enter the brain more easily and trigger severe inflammation.

Children also spend more time playing or sleeping close to the ground, where sandflies, which are weak fliers, are commonly found. This increases their exposure to infected insects.

Early symptoms can also be difficult to identify in infants and toddlers, who cannot communicate headache or dizziness. Parents should immediately seek medical attention if a child develops high fever along with persistent vomiting, unusual drowsiness, refusal to eat, weak limbs, seizures or reduced responsiveness.

Even after recovery, some children may experience long-term neurological complications such as delayed speech, learning difficulties, poor balance, muscle weakness or recurrent seizures.

Is There a Treatment or Vaccine?

There is no specific antiviral medicine or vaccine available for Chandipura virus.

Treatment focuses on supportive care, including:

• Controlling seizures
• Maintaining hydration
• Reducing brain swelling
• Providing ventilator support when necessary
• Intensive monitoring in hospital

Doctors stress that early hospitalisation offers the best chance of survival.

How Can the Risk Be Reduced?

Since the virus spreads through insect bites, prevention remains the most effective protection. Health experts advise:

• Using insect repellents
• Dressing children in full-sleeved clothing, especially during evenings
• Sleeping under mosquito nets where appropriate
• Installing window screens
• Keeping homes and surroundings clean to reduce insect breeding
• Seeking immediate medical care if fever is followed by neurological symptoms

Past Outbreaks

Chandipura virus has caused several deadly outbreaks in India. In 2024, the country reported 245 cases and 82 deaths, with Gujarat recording the highest number of infections. One of the largest outbreaks occurred in Andhra Pradesh in 2003, when 329 suspected cases and 183 deaths were reported.

Health experts continue to emphasise that the virus does not spread from person to person. It is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected sandflies and possibly other insect vectors, making vector control and early treatment the key to limiting fatalities.