Rising cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome reported across four states

148 kids affected with acute encephalitis in India, 51 Chandipura virus cases confirmed

August 1, 2024

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome cases: 148 cases reported by July 31, 59 deaths

Since June, approximately 148 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) have been reported among children under 15 years of age in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, health officials confirmed on Thursday. Of these cases, 51 have been linked to the Chandipura virus (CHPV).

A joint review by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that 59 children have died from AES.

The syndrome, characterized by brain inflammation and swelling, can be caused by various pathogens and toxins.

The disease affects mostly children under 15 years of age and can present with a febrile illness that may progress to convulsions, coma, and in some cases, may also result in death. While there is no specific treatment available for CHPV and management is symptomatic, early detection can boost outcomes.

“As of July 31, 148 AES cases (140 from 24 districts of Gujarat, 4 from Madhya Pradesh, 3 from Rajasthan & 1 from Maharashtra) have been reported, out of which 59 cases have died. The Chandipura Virus (CHPV) has been confirmed in 51 cases,” the health authorities said.

They also reported a declining trend of the daily reported new cases of AES since July 19.

The health officials informed that Gujarat has undertaken various public health measures such as insecticidal spray for vector control, IEC, sensitization of medical personnel, and timely referral of cases to designated facilities.

A National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) has also been deployed to assist the Gujarat government in undertaking public health measures and conducting a detailed epidemiological investigation into the outbreak.

CHPV is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family and is transmitted by vectors such as sand flies and ticks, especially during monsoon season.

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