The chandipura virus is a virus that causes recurrent outbreaks of fatal encephalitis.
Chandipura viruses was identified in the year 1965 and even now chandipura virus still remains a serious health concern in South Asia.
The chandipura virus is transmitted mainly by sandflies and most specifically Phlebotomus spp.
The chandipura has also been associated with a rapid progression of symptoms that lead to severe neurological damage and death.
And despite the advances in diagnostic techniques, there's no specific antiviral treatment for licensed vaccine that currently exists to treat chandipura virus.
Since there's no vaccine available to prevent the chandipura virus infection, the best prevent of the chandipura virus is to protect against and control the population of sandflies.
The initial symptoms of chandipural virus infection mimic those of the flu—fever, body ache, headache—but can quickly escalate to more severe conditions such as altered sensorium, seizures, and encephalitis.
The chandipura virus is currently endemic to certain regions of India, particularly in central and western parts of the country.
However, the presence of the chandipura virus in other countries, such as Sri Lanka and Nigeria, indicates its potential for wider geographic spread.
Chandipura virus is a member of the same rhabdovirus family as rabies, and like rabies can invade the human brain and central nervous system.
But whereas rabies is transmitted only between mammals, Chandipura's primary vector is sandflies, making it harder to protect against infection.
Currently, no specific antiviral drugs have been approved for treating Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV).
However, research is ongoing to identify potential antiviral agents that could inhibit CHPV replication and reduce disease severity.