Chandipura virus in India: Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
23 Jul 2024
Media reports a continuing oubreak of Chandipura virus in India. Eighty-eight cases (including 36 deaths) have been reported between 1 January 2024 and 23 July 2024. Nearly all cases have been in the Indian state of Gurajat, with smaller case numbers reported from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states.
Chandipura virus is transmitted by sandfly bites and can cause inflammation and swelling of the brain. Symptoms may include fever, headache, seizures and/or loss of consciousness. Severe cases may lead to coma and death.
Advice for Travellers
If you are travelling to an affected region, you are potentially at risk from Chandipura virus.
Sandflies are tiny (3.5mm), sand-coloured flies found in tropical and warm 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.
- To reduce your risk of being bitten, you must try to avoid insect bites at all times.
- There is no vaccine available to protect against Chandipura virus. There is no specific treatment.
If you or your family develop a high temperature (fever) or otherwise become unwell with any symptoms during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek urgent medical advice and always tell the health care professional about your recent travel history.