An outbreak of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has caused alarm in Gujarat and neighboring states, affecting children under 15 years old. Since early June, 148 cases have been reported: 140 in Gujarat, 4 in Madhya Pradesh, 3 in Rajasthan, and 1 in Maharashtra. Tragically, 59 children have died. The Chandipura virus (CHPV) has been confirmed in 51 cases.
In response to the crisis, a high-level review meeting was held on Thursday. Key health officials, including the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), the Director of the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), attended the meeting. Officials from the affected states, members of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT), and experts from various health institutes also participated.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there has been a noticeable decline in new AES cases since July 19. Gujarat has implemented several public health measures to control the outbreak. These measures include insecticidal spraying to control vectors, public education campaigns, training for medical personnel, and ensuring that cases are referred promptly to specialized hospitals.
To support the Gujarat State Government, the NJORT has been deployed to assist with public health measures and conduct a detailed investigation into the outbreak. Additionally, a joint advisory from the NCDC and the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) is being issued to guide neighboring states reporting AES cases.
Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV) is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family associated with Chandipura encephalitis, an encephalitic illness in humans. It was first identified in 1965 after being isolated from the blood of two patients in Chandipura village, Maharashtra. CHPV is known to cause sporadic cases and outbreaks in western, central, and southern India, particularly during the monsoon season. It is transmitted by vectors such as sand flies and ticks. Currently, the only measures to combat the disease are vector control, maintaining hygiene, and raising awareness.