Ganjam virus, also known as Ganjam virus disease, is a zoonotic viral infection belonging to the family Bunyaviridae and the genus Orthobunyavirus. It was first identified in the Ganjam district of Odisha, India, where the virus was isolated from a pool of mosquitoes in 1954. Ganjam virus primarily affects mammals, particularly livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats, and is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily the species Aedes aegypti.
The virus is classified as an arbovirus, as it is predominantly arthropod-borne. It is characterized by a tripartite genome, consisting of three segments of RNA: large (L), medium (M), and small (S). The viral infection in animals can lead to various clinical manifestations, including fever, respiratory symptoms, abortion in pregnant animals, and occasionally fatal outcomes.
In humans, Ganjam virus infection is considered rare, and the clinical presentation is not well understood. Limited human cases have been reported, mainly in regions where the virus is known to circulate. Symptoms in humans may include fever, headache, and body aches, which are generally mild and self-limiting.
Due to its zoonotic nature and potential for causing agricultural and public health concerns, surveillance programs are implemented to monitor the prevalence and spread of Ganjam virus in endemic areas. Research efforts are continually being made to enhance understanding of the virus's biology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis, as well as to develop effective prevention and control measures.
