Chandipura Virus Spreads in Gujarat 

August 16, 2024 

• The Chandipura virus, a deadly viral infection that affects the brain, spread across many parts of Gujarat in July. The virus is known to affect children below 15 years of age. 
• Experts suspect around 15 people died of the virus as of July. 
• The virus, which is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, is believed to spread through insects such as the Phlebotomus papatasi and Phlebotomine sandfly. 
• Victims of the infection initially experience symptoms such as muscle pain, diarrhoea, headache and fever. The progression of the infection leads to seizures, brain inflammation and even death. 
• According to experts, maintaining cleanliness and detecting the infection early are vital to preventing its serious effects.