With the neighbouring Gujarat reporting 16 deaths due to Chandipura virus, the Public Health Department in Maharashtra has issued guidelines for dealing with such cases.
The guidelines call for immediate referral of children under 15 years of age who show symptoms to nearby health facilities.
An advisory in this regard was issued to all municipal corporations, zilla parishads, civil surgeons, district health officers, and malaria officers by Joint Director of Health Services Dr Radhakishan Pawar, who is heading the vector-borne disease control programme in the state.
“We have instructed all the health officers across districts and zillas to refer patients with symptoms such as sudden fever, behavioural changes, convulsions, or fainting. They should be immediately referred to the nearest primary health centres, rural hospitals, or district hospitals. Additionally, blood samples of such patients should be tested for dengue, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), and Chandipura to ensure a definite diagnosis,” he said.
The Chandipura virus cases have seen a notable increase, particularly in villages identified as sensitive to the outbreak.
The virus is spread by the female phlebotomine sandfly, which is particularly abundant during the early monsoon season. Chandipura infection leads to encephalitis, which is the inflammation or swelling of brain tissue. This condition can be extremely serious and requires immediate medical attention.
The health department has implemented several measures to control the Chandipura virus.
Ensuring regular insecticide spraying in households and livestock areas to control the sandfly population, which is the primary vector for the virus, is also crucial.
“Neurological deficits are common in Chandipura infection and can manifest as weakness, loss of coordination, or other impairments in motor function. These deficits can be long-lasting and may require extensive rehabilitation.
Signs of meningeal irritation, such as a stiff neck, headache, and sensitivity to light, are also frequent, indicating inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord,” said Dr Pawar.
Public awareness and prevention efforts focus on educating the public about preventive measures such as maintaining cleanliness, using mosquito nets, and avoiding stagnant water around homes.
Families are advised to keep children away from potential sandfly breeding grounds.
The advisory issued by the state health department included the prescribed treatment protocols like maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation support, administering paracetamol for fever, IV fluids, and mannitol for intracranial pressure.
“If required, we will even increase the bed strength in hospitals and provide additional medicines,” he said.
