India has reported 53 confirmed cases of the Chandipura virus as of July 31, 51 of which are from Gujarat and two from Rajasthan. On Tuesday, Union Health Minister J P Nadda provided this update to the Rajya Sabha. Notably, Gujarat has recorded all 19 deaths related to this virus.
Latest Figures:
According to a recent bulletin from the Gujarat government, the number of positive Chandipura virus cases has increased to 59. Additionally, the total number of viral encephalitis cases has risen to 159, with a death toll of 71.
National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT):
A National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) has been deployed to assist the Gujarat government in public health measures and detailed epidemiological investigations. The team includes experts from:
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Program
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune
Epidemiological Investigation:
A team from NCDC Delhi and ICMR NIV Pune is conducting an epidemiological investigation into Acute Encephalitis cases and related deaths.
NCDC entomologists are stationed in the affected areas to identify the vector responsible for transmitting the Chandipura virus to humans.
Active Surveillance and Medical Support from Chandipura virus:
Health rapid response teams, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM) are conducting active surveillance. They aim to identify suspected cases early and timely refer them to hospitals and medical colleges offering 24-hour specialist services and ventilator support.
Intensified indoor residual spraying is carried out to control the sandfly vector in the reported areas and their surroundings.
Public Awareness and Education:
Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities have been launched to raise awareness. These include:
- Media briefings
- Radio jingles
- Health education programs on Doordarshan
- News bulletins
- House-to-house interpersonal communication
Advisory and Coordination of Chandipura virus:
NCDC and the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) have issued a joint advisory to ensure proper vector control measures by state governments. The advisory also guides the states in promptly referring suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases to designated facilities and raises community awareness regarding prevention measures.
The NCDC Public Health Emergency Operation Centre has been activated to coordinate NJORT activities and support field teams.
The Government of India is closely monitoring and reviewing the situation in coordination with the state government to ensure effective management and containment of the outbreak.
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