Chandipura Virus

1.1 When and where was it found?

It was found in 1965 during a fever outbreak in Maharashtra. Scientists isolated it from two sick patients. The place that gave the virus its name is Chandipur village in Maharashtra.

1.2 What kind of virus is it?

It is a Vesiculovirus in the family Rhabdoviridae. Its genome is single-stranded RNA of about 11 kilobases. Short form: CHPV.

1.3 Was it present before 1965?

Blood tests suggest it was. Studies of stored samples show people were exposed as early as 1957-58. The virus has also been found in hedgehogs in Nigeria and macaques in Sri Lanka.

2.1 Which insects carry it?

Sandflies are the main suspects. WHO says vectors such as sandflies, mosquitoes and ticks transmit it. In Gujarat the reported vector is the sandfly Phlebotomus papatasi. The virus was also isolated from sandflies in Aurangabad.

2.2 Does it pass from person to person?

No such spread has been reported. WHO says no human-to-human transmission has been seen so far.

2.3 Why do cases rise in the monsoon?

The rains help vector insects breed. WHO links cases to the monsoon season. Poor housing and open sewers can add sandfly breeding and resting sites.

2.4 What is still unknown?

Scientists still ask whether sandflies are the only vector. They also ask what the natural cycle of the virus is. The Sapkal review says sandflies may be the principal vector.

3.1 What are the signs?

It starts like a bad fever and can turn serious fast. Watch for these signs:

• Sudden high fever and vomiting.
• Severe headache.
• Convulsions or seizures.
• Altered consciousness.

3.2 How fast can it kill?

In children it can kill within 48 to 72 hours of the first symptoms. The usual picture is acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), which means sudden brain inflammation with fever.

3.3 Is there a cure?

No. There is no specific treatment and no vaccine. Care is symptomatic. WHO says early access to care and supportive treatment can improve the outcome.

3.4 How is it confirmed?

Labs test serum and cerebrospinal fluid. In 2024 the 64 confirmed cases were found by IgM ELISA or RT-PCR tests.

4.1 What happened in 2003 and 2004?

The virus returned in 2003 with large outbreaks in two states. In Andhra Pradesh, 11 districts were hit and about 56% of cases died. WHO cites 329 suspected cases and 183 deaths there. Maharashtra had an outbreak in 15 districts at the same time.

In 2004 Gujarat reported an outbreak with fatality of 78.3% among children.

4.2 What happened in 2024?

India reported 245 AES cases and 82 deaths between early June and 15 August 2024. Only 64 were confirmed as Chandipura virus. Of those, 61 were in Gujarat and three in Rajasthan.

WHO called it the largest outbreak in the past 20 years. A total of 43 districts reported AES cases.

4.3 Is there a pattern?

Outbreaks keep coming back to Gujarat. WHO notes a rise in Gujarat every four to five years. Earlier outbreaks showed fatality of 56% to 75%.

Sources: Sapkal review; WHO; Business Standard.

5.1 What do the numbers say?

Gujarat reported 35 confirmed cases out of 184 suspected patients tested. There were 22 deaths among children below 15. Rajasthan confirmed three cases in Dungarpur and Sirohi. On 4 August 2026, seven patients were in intensive care on ventilators and oxygen.

By 12 August 2026, Deccan Herald reported 25 child deaths in Gujarat.

5.2 What did the Centre do?

It sent a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Business Standard report of 6 August 2026 says the team has experts from NCDC, ICMR, NCVBDC and other institutions. Its tasks:

• Detailed epidemiological investigations.
• Stronger surveillance and laboratory testing.
• Vector surveillance and control.
• A study of environment and insect factors behind the spread.

5.3 Who else is helping?

ICMR sent a national team to Gujarat. Its Director General said ICMR teams have worked there for two years. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) supports the response, coordinated by the NCDC. The NCDC also activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

6.1 What can families do?

Stop the bites and act fast on fever. Officials advise:

• Insect repellent on exposed skin.
• Full-sleeved clothes, especially for children.
• Insect nets while sleeping where appropriate.
• Quick medical care if a child has sudden fever with neurological signs.

6.2 What does WHO advise authorities?

WHO says vector control and bite protection are the key measures. It wants surveillance among children under 15 with fever and nervous-system symptoms. It does not recommend travel or trade restrictions.

7.1 Which facts are asked most?

• First found: 1965, Maharashtra.
• Family: Rhabdoviridae; genus Vesiculovirus.
• Vector: sandflies (Phlebotomus papatasi in Gujarat).
• No vaccine and no specific treatment.
• Recent news: the NJORT went to Gujarat and Rajasthan.

7.2 Which mix-ups come up?

• AES is not one disease. Of 245 AES cases in 2024, only 64 were confirmed as Chandipura virus.
• Child age. WHO says mostly under 15.
• Spread. Insect bites, not person to person.