12 people died in 2014

KATHMANDU, July 27: Public health and infectious disease experts have pointed out that the risk of Chandipura virus, which is spreading rapidly in Gujarat and other regions of India, is high in Nepal. Chandipura virus, which has appeared for some time, has resulted in the death of 44 people and confirmed infection in 124 people. According to Indian news agencies, the virus has been most prevalent in cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat and other cities of India.

The infection of this virus has already spread in Nepal and the infected can also come to Nepal due to the fact that people are traveling from India to Nepal. Dengue-carrying mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti, and insetcs, known as sandflies, transmit the virus. Both these pests are present in Nepal and there is a high risk of it in Terai districts. Former director of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division and public health expert Dr Baburam Marasini said that Nepal is at high risk because the infection has already been observed. According to him, 12 people died in Morang due to Chandipura virus in 2014. Chandipura virus was identified when the Department of Health Services sent samples abroad for testing after many people died at once.

Dr Marasini argues that although the Chandipura virus has been present in Nepal in previous years, it may not have been detected due to the lack of testing. He said, "Every year, patients with illnesses similar to encephalitis appear for treatment, but it seems that there is no testing to determine whether they have Chandipura virus or not."

Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, coordinator of the research unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, stated that since both insects that carry the virus are found in Nepal, the virus could potentially turn into an epidemic at any time. He said, "There are both mosquitoes and sandflies here, and there is also movement of people, so it could spread as an epidemic at any time."

According to the doctor, the virus infects the brain through the blood when bitten by an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito and sandfly bite. After infection in the brain, it can lead to failure of other organs such as nerves, kidneys and liver and the person dies. Its symptoms are similar to those of encephalitis. Humans may die within 48 hours of infection. The death rate of this disease is higher than those of other diseases i.e. 60 percent mortality rate.

Dr Yadu Chandra Ghimire, head of the Epidemiology Division, stated that while they are alert to the risk of Chandipura virus infection spreading from India, no testing has been conducted on any patients. According to him, discussions have been held with the National Public Health Laboratory about testing if any infections are detected. "So far, no infections have been detected, but we are prepared to conduct tests if any cases are identified," Dr Ghimire said.

Doctors advise that hilly and Terai districts are particularly at risk. To prevent infection, they recommend avoiding mosquito and sandfly bites, using mosquito nets, maintaining a clean environment, and installing nets on windows and doors.

 
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