Centre's Proactive Action on Chandipura Virus (CHPV) Outbreak: Deployment of National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) and Strengthening of Public Health Surveillance
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT)—comprising experts from NCDC, ICMR, and DAHD—to Gujarat and Rajasthan to tackle the Chandipura virus (CHPV) outbreak. CHPV is an RNA virus transmitted primarily by sandflies; it can cause Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), particularly in children. Several national institutes—including NIV, NIE, ICMR-NIVCR, and NIVEDI—are conducting collaborative research to study the virus's transmission, genetic structure, and effective control measures. In affected areas, active disease surveillance, community surveys, laboratory testing, contact tracing, and vector control measures under the IDSP have been intensified to effectively curb the spread of the infection.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to address the Chandipura virus (CHPV) outbreak. The team includes experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD). The objective is to scientifically strengthen disease identification, surveillance, treatment, and control measures.
What is Chandipura Virus (CHPV)?
Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an RNA virus belonging to the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family. It is named after the village of Chandipura in Maharashtra, where it was first identified in 1965. The virus is primarily transmitted by sandflies, though other blood-feeding insects may also act as vectors in some cases. This infection can specifically cause Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in children.
Role of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT)
NJORT was constituted by bringing together experts from various national institutions to ensure coordination regarding epidemiology, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, patient management, vector control, and liaison with state governments. The team will scientifically study the source of infection, causes of spread, and effective control strategies, while also providing technical assistance to the states.
Importance of Multi-Agency Research
Several institutions—including the National Institute of Virology (NIV), National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), National Institute for Research in Vector-Borne Diseases (ICMR-NIVCR), and National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI)—are working jointly to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the outbreak. Their studies aim to understand the virus's genetic structure (genomics) and transmission dynamics, identify the vector, assess disease severity, and improve future treatment and prevention measures.
Public Health and Disease Surveillance Strategy
Surveillance has been strengthened in affected areas under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). The Health Department is actively monitoring cases of AFI and AES. Simultaneously, measures such as community surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, and vector control are being implemented to contain the spread of the infection in a timely manner.
Key Facts for UPSC Exam (Prelims + Mains)
Chandipura Virus (CHPV) – RNA virus; member of the Rhabdoviridae family.
First identified – 1965, Chandipura (Maharashtra).
Primary vector – Sandfly (Phlebotomine sandfly).
Key symptoms – Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). Key institutions – NCDC, ICMR, NIV, NIE, NIVEDI, DAHD.
Surveillance programme – Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
Currently, there is no specific antiviral drug or licensed vaccine available for CHPV; treatment is primarily based on supportive care.
