Chandipura virus in India: Update 1

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports continued transmission of Chandipura virus in India. From early June to 15 August 2024there have been 245 cases, including 82 deaths. The WHO reports most cases have been recorded in Gujarat with a smaller number in Rajasthan. Previous media reports have also noted a small number of cases in Madhya Pradesh.

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family (same family as Rabies) and causes an illness called Chandipura encephalitis. It is transmitted by sandfly bites.

The disease mainly affects children below the age of 15 years and is characterised by a high fever, headache, convulsions, loss of conscious. Severe cases can rapidly progress to coma and death within days of symptom onset.

Advice for Travellers

All travellers to affected regions are potentially at risk from Chandipura virus and should be aware of this infection.

Prevention of Chandipura virus infection relies on avoiding insect bites at all times.

• Sandflies are tiny (3.5mm), sand-coloured flies found in tropical and warm temperate regions worldwide.
• Sandflies typically bite in the evening and overnight (from dusk to dawn), but they can also bite during the day if they are disturbed. The bite is often very itchy.

No vaccine is available for Chandipura virus and there is no specific treatment.

Travellers to affected areas should be advised to seek urgent medical advice if they develop a fever or become otherwise unwell either during or after travel, and ensure they tell the healthcare professional about their recent travel history.