According to the Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda, there have been 53 confirmed cases of Chandipura virus in India as on July 31- 51 from Gujarat and two from Rajasthan- informed Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
Mr. Nadda said in a written response to a question that among these cases of Chandipura virus, nineteen people had died and all deaths were reported from Gujarat.
In addition to this information, he stated that a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) has been deployed by the health ministry to help Gujarat government undertake public health measures and conduct detailed epidemiological investigations into the outbreak.
In his words, NJORT is comprised of experts drawn from Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme; and National Centre for Disease Control; Indian Council of Medical Research; and National Institute of Virology at Pune.
A team consisting of personnel from NCDC Delhi and ICMR NIV Pune is also conducting an epidemiological investigation into Acute Encephalitis cases and related deaths.
Further more the entomologists also stationed by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) around affected areas are conducting entomological studies aimed at knowing vector associated with transmission of Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV) to humans.
The Minister disclosed that Health rapid response teams have performed active surveillance through Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurses and Midwives(ANMs) for early identification of cases and timely referral of suspected cases to nearby hospitals or medical colleges which are offering 24 hours specialist services including ventilator support.
Additionally indoor residual spraying for vectors control (sandflies) has been intensified in the case reporting areas which include additional surrounding areas as well according to Mr. Nadda.
He added that Information Education and Communication activities such as press briefing, radio jingles as well as health education programmes through Doordarshan and news bulletins have been initiated.
Furthermore, a house-to-house interpersonal communication was started to reach out to individual households directly with messages on awareness campaign and prevention measures.
Mr. Nadda reveals that NCDC in collaboration with National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) has released a joint advisory; which specifically guide state governments to take adequate vector control measures, he said.
It also advises the states on timely referral of suspected AES cases to designated facilities so as to improve health outcomes. He added that it is aiming at sensitizing the community about prevention measures.
According to him, Public Health Emergency Operation Centre at the NCDC has been activated to coordinate NJORT activities and provide necessary support to the field teams.
Nadda stated that “The Government of India is closely monitoring and reviewing the situation in coordination with state government.”
