In recent weeks, India has been thrust into the spotlight as it grapples with a troubling surge of deadly viruses: Nipah, Zika, and Chandipura.
As of July 21, Gujarat has reported a staggering 50 cases of Chandipura virus, resulting in 16 fatalities, according to Health Minister Rushikesh Patel. The virus cases have also been reported in Rajasthan.
Adding to the crisis, a 14-year-old boy from Kerala’s Malappuram succumbed to a Nipah virus infection on Sunday. Classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization due to its epidemic potential, Nipah’s emergence has prompted urgent measures by health authorities to trace and monitor contacts of the deceased.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra has recorded its highest number of Zika virus cases since 2021, with 38 reported infections as of July 19. Zika, known for its severe risks to pregnant women and their unborn children, has also been detected in Kerala and Karnataka.
The rapid spread of these viruses has set off alarm bells across India’s healthcare system and is now drawing global attention.
Zika Virus
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Zika virus has recently made headlines as cases have been reported across multiple states in India. Primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, as well as through blood transfusion, sexual contact, and breastfeeding, the virus has sparked alarm across the nation.
Maharashtra, in particular, has seen the highest number of Zika cases since 2021. As of July 19, the state has recorded several infections, with Pune district being the hardest hit, reporting 28 cases. Kerala has also seen double-digit cases, and Karnataka has reported a death linked to the virus.
According to the World Health Organization, Zika is especially dangerous for pregnant women. The virus can be transmitted to the fetus, potentially causing severe birth defects such as microcephaly, where babies are born with smaller heads and underdeveloped brains. Additionally, Zika infection can lead to stillbirth, fetal loss, and preterm birth.
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Dr. Ajoy Krishna Sarkar, an internal medicine consultant at Peerless Hospital, explained to The Times of India that although Zika shares similarities with dengue, it is considered more dangerous. Symptoms of Zika include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and muscle pain.
In response to the recent surge, the state government in a recent bulletin said it is ramping up efforts to contain the outbreak. To enhance surveillance, centres will be established every 3-5 kilometres in affected districts to monitor the area and collect blood samples for the rapid identification of fever cases.
Treatment for Zika, like dengue, is symptomatic. “There is no drug specific to the virus. Patients need paracetamol to manage fever and painkillers,” Dr. Saha told The Times of India.
Nipah Virus
Authorities in Kerala are on high alert following the death of a 14-year-old boy from Malappuram who contracted the Nipah virus. State Health Minister Veena George reported that the boy suffered a massive cardiac arrest on Sunday, and despite efforts to revive him, he unfortunately passed away.
The World Health Organization describes Nipah virus (NiV) as a zoonotic virus, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. It can also spread through contaminated food or direct person-to-person contact. Fruit bats are the usual carriers of the virus, and humans can become infected by consuming fruit contaminated by bat saliva or urine.
In response to the situation, the Kerala government has taken decisive action. On Saturday, Health Minister Veena George announced the establishment of 25 committees tasked with identifying and isolating affected individuals. Isolation wards have been set up across health institutions to treat patients and contain the virus.
As of now, there are 350 people on the primary contact list of the deceased boy, with 100 classified as high-risk, according to a News18 report. Additionally, the animal husbandry department is testing animals, including pigs, for the virus.
A 68-year-old man from Malappuram, exhibiting symptoms similar to Nipah but not related to the deceased boy, has been admitted to Kozhikode Medical College in serious condition.
Despite the concerning developments, Dr. Anoop Kumar, director of critical care medicine at Aster MIMS Hospital in Calicut, reassured Reuters that “There is a minimum chance of an outbreak of Nipah virus at this stage,” and the situation will be closely monitored over the next 7-10 days.
According to the WHO, Nipah virus infection presents with symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat. These can progress to dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs indicative of acute encephalitis.
The case fatality rate ranges from 40 to 75 per cent.
Chandipura Virus
The Chandipura virus, named after the village in Maharashtra where it was first identified in 1965, belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and the Vesiculovirus genus, which is closely linked to viruses that cause vesicular stomatitis and rabies. Although lesser-known, it poses a serious risk, especially to children.
Gujarat is currently facing a notable outbreak. State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel reported 50 cases and 16 fatalities across the state. The virus spreads through bites from infected sandflies or drainflies, particularly species like Phlebotomus papatasi and Sergentomyia, as well as mosquitoes and ticks.
Symptoms typically begin suddenly, including high fever, seizures, diarrhoea, vomiting, convulsions, and altered mental status. In severe cases, the infection can lead to coma and death. Encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, is the primary cause of death among those infected, according to the Indian Journal of Medical Research.
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In response, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has launched a campaign to tackle the virus. Malathion powder is being sprayed across affected districts, and intensive treatment is being provided for fever cases. Grassroots workers such as Asha and Anganwadi workers, along with nurses, are being mobilised to prevent further spread in rural areas, the state health minister said.
Following the surge in Gujarat, neighbouring Maharashtra has also increased its alert level. Rajasthan
health department is also on alert as two more cases are suspected after four children reportedly succumbed in Dungarpur district due to suspected infection.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Chandipura virus, so supportive care remains essential, focusing on symptom management and preventing complications.
With input from agencies
