Context
Death toll rises as the Chandipura virus spreads to more districts in Gujarat.
About Chandipura Virus Infection (CHPV)
- Single-stranded RNA virus
- Vectors: Sandflies, Mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti).
- Transmission
- Mechanism: Virus resides in the salivary glands of vectors.
- Infection: Transmitted to humans and domestic animals through bites.
- Impact: Can reach the central nervous system, causing encephalitis (brain inflammation).
- Mortality:
- High, often within 24-48 hours post-hospitalization.
- Predominantly affects children under 15 years.
- Treatment
- No specific antiretroviral therapy or vaccine.
- Symptomatic treatment only.
- Affected Regions in India: Central India, with higher populations of CHPV vectors (sandflies and mosquitoes).
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) AIDS
(b) Bird flu
(c) Dengue
(d) Swine flu
Answer: (d)
