Directorate General of Health Services, DGHS Atul Goel along with experts has reviewed the Chandipura virus cases and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome- AES cases in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Union Health Ministry in a statement said that after a detailed discussion and review of the status of the Chandipura virus and AES cases yesterday, the experts concluded that infectious agents contribute to only a small proportion of AES cases across the country. During the meeting, they emphasized the need for comprehensive epidemiological, environmental, and entomological studies of the AES cases reported in Gujarat.

The Ministry added that a multidisciplinary central team from National Centre for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research, and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is being deployed to assist the State of Gujarat with these investigations.

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome is a group of clinically similar neurologic manifestation caused by several different viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites, spirochetes and chemical among others.

Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a member of Rhabdoviridae family known to cause sporadic cases and outbreaks in western, central, and southern parts of the Country, especially during the monsoon season. It is transmitted by vectors such as sand flies and ticks.

Vector control, hygiene, and awareness are the only measures available against the disease. The Ministry said, although there is no specific treatment available for CHPV and management is symptomatic, timely referral of suspected AES cases to designated facilities can improve outcomes.

The Ministry added that since early June 2024, cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome have been reported in children under 15 years of age in Gujarat. As of today, a total of 78 AES cases have been reported, with 75 from Gujarat, two from Rajasthan, and one from Madhya Pradesh. Of these, 28 cases have resulted in death.