Thursday, December 5th, 2024

Advice from a senior pediatrician – get the cracks in the walls filled up quickly during the rainy season, otherwise children will fall prey to this dangerous virus


These days, Chandipura virus is wreaking havoc. 16 people have died in Gujarat due to this infection. It is especially targeting children. It is slightly different from other viruses. It is an ‘arbovirus’, which is related to the vesicular virus in the Rhabdoviridae family. This virus causes encephalitis. Pediatrician Dr. Pawan Mandaviya has told about this disease on Instagram. According to him/her, this infection spreads due to the bite of a mosquito or fly present in our house. Children should especially be protected from it. Let us know what are the causes, symptoms and preventive measures of Chandipura virus.

Attacks directly on the brain

This virus is usually caused by flies or mosquitoes living in the cracks in the walls of kutcha houses. This virus infection causes cold, stomach ache, cough, fever, but just like the virus in Covid affects the lungs, Chandipura attacks the brain of children. Which is called encephalitis.

Main symptoms of Chandipura virus

Main symptoms of Chandipura virus

High fever, swelling in the brain, vomiting, headache, fainting, reduced activeness, continuous crying, irritability in behavior are the main symptoms of Chandipura virus. These should not be taken lightly and one should visit a doctor as soon as possible so that effective treatment can be done in time.

How to protect children from viral fever during this season?

Take care of children of this age

Take care of children of this age

Doctors advise that if you have children between 9 months to 14 years of age in your house, then take special care of them during these days. If the child shows its symptoms, get them treated immediately. If there is even a slight delay, death can occur within 48-72 hours. This virus spreads due to the bite of sand fly. Experts are considering it like dengue or malaria, but it is more dangerous than these, because it attacks the brain within 12 to 24 hours of the symptoms appearing. Therefore, it is important to keep children safe by adopting preventive measures.

Measures to avoid Chandipura virus

Measures to avoid Chandipura virus

– Fill the cracks in old houses as soon as possible.
​- Take care of cleanliness around your house.
​- Make children wear full length clothes.
​- Use mosquito net while putting the child to sleep.
​- Keep food covered to protect it from flies.
​- Avoid sand fly bites.

What is the treatment for this deadly disease?

What is the treatment for this deadly disease?

There is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment to prevent Chandipura virus. The effects of the virus can be avoided only by getting admitted to the hospital when symptoms appear. Here, first of all, medicine is given to reduce fever. This virus spreads especially during the rainy season. Therefore, take care of cleanliness.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.

Share on:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *