Why in News?
Gujarat has reported 184 suspected cases of Chandipura Virus (CHPV) during the current monsoon season. So far, 35 cases have been confirmed, 22 children have died, and 11 test results are awaited. All confirmed cases are in children below 15 years of age.
About Chandipura Virus (CHPV)
- Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is an arbovirus belonging to the genus Vesiculovirus of the Rhabdoviridae family.
- It is mainly transmitted through sandflies and can cause Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), a serious inflammation of the brain.
- The virus was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura village, Nagpur district, Maharashtra. Children are the most vulnerable group affected by the disease.
