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
Chandipura virus is a rare mosquito-borne virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family. It can also be transmitted by sandflies and ticks.
2
Early symptoms can be flu-like including fever, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea, in severe cases.
3
No vaccine is available for the Chandipura virus. Prevention mainly focuses on avoiding mosquito, sandfly, and tick bites.
4
Another prevention is to apply mosquito repellent containing DEET (Diethyltoluamide) to exposed skin.
5
Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats while outdoors, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
6
Eliminate stagnant water sources around your home where mosquitoes can breed.
7
If you experience fever, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea, consult a doctor immediately, especially if you live in an area with Chandipura cases.