Gujarat Chandipura Virus Causes and Prevention

Orange Lightning

The Chandipura virus, spread by mosquitoes, sandflies, or ticks, causes flu-like symptoms and can progress to encephalitis, a serious brain inflammation, here are some things to know. 

1

Cause

Chandipura virus is a rare mosquito-borne virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family.  It can also be transmitted by sandflies and ticks.

2

Symptoms

Early symptoms can be flu-like including fever, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea, in severe cases. 

3

Prevention

No vaccine is available for the Chandipura virus. Prevention mainly focuses on avoiding mosquito, sandfly, and tick bites.

4

 Use Repellent

Another prevention is to apply mosquito repellent containing DEET (Diethyltoluamide) to exposed skin.

5

Wear Protective Clothing

Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats while outdoors, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

6

Reduce Mosquito Breeding Ground

Eliminate stagnant water sources around your home where mosquitoes can breed.

7

Early Detection

If you experience fever, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea, consult a doctor immediately, especially if you live in an area with Chandipura cases.