Surat: Gujarat has reported three deaths and six confirmed cases of Chandipura virus among children over the past 10 days, prompting the state government to intensify surveillance and disease-control measures across affected districts.
State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said health authorities have stepped up monitoring, laboratory testing and vector-control activities to contain the spread of the virus, which primarily affects children and can cause severe neurological illness.
Six cases confirmed, three children die
Speaking in Surat on Saturday, Pansheriya said health officials had identified 17 suspected paediatric cases and sent samples for laboratory testing.
“Out of the 17 suspected cases, 10 children tested negative, while six were confirmed positive for Chandipura virus and are currently undergoing treatment. Unfortunately, three children have lost their lives during the past 10 days,” the minister said.
The latest figures indicate an increase in infections since the initial cases reported earlier this week.
Cases linked to earlier outbreak
The recent infections follow the deaths of two children in Panchmahal district, who had contracted the Chandipura virus earlier this week.
The death toll later rose after a six-year-old child from Rajasthan, who was undergoing treatment at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital in Sabarkantha district, succumbed to the infection.
Health authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely as additional suspected cases undergo evaluation.
Surveillance intensified across affected areas
In response to the outbreak, the Gujarat Health Department has strengthened surveillance and preventive measures in affected regions.
Medical teams are conducting:
- Door-to-door health surveys
- Collection of blood samples from suspected patients
- Insecticide spraying in affected villages
- Close monitoring of children showing symptoms
Officials said vector-control activities were intensified after sand flies, the primary carriers of the virus, were detected in several villages.
Authorities are also expanding disease surveillance in vulnerable areas to facilitate early detection and treatment.
What is Chandipura virus?
Chandipura virus is a vector-borne disease caused by a member of the Rhabdoviridae family of viruses.
It primarily affects children and is transmitted through the bite of infected sand flies.
The infection can lead to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), a serious condition involving inflammation of the brain that may progress rapidly if left untreated.
Symptoms and treatment
The illness typically begins with symptoms such as:
- High fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
In severe cases, patients may develop:
- Convulsions
- Altered consciousness
- Unconsciousness
- Serious neurological complications
Doctors emphasise that early medical attention is critical if children develop these symptoms.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus. Medical care focuses on supportive treatment to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Authorities urge preventive measures
Health officials have advised parents to seek immediate medical care if children experience sudden fever accompanied by vomiting, seizures or changes in consciousness.
Authorities have also recommended several preventive measures to reduce exposure to sand flies, including:
- Maintaining clean surroundings
- Eliminating potential breeding sites
- Sealing cracks in mud houses where sand flies may breed
- Using insecticide spraying in affected areas
- Sleeping under mosquito nets
- Using insect repellents
These measures are aimed at reducing vector populations and limiting transmission.
Vigilance heightened after 2024 outbreak
The latest cases come nearly two years after Gujarat witnessed the country’s largest Chandipura virus outbreak during the 2024 monsoon season.
The earlier outbreak prompted health authorities to strengthen surveillance during the rainy season, when conditions favour the breeding of disease-carrying vectors.
Officials said they will continue monitoring the situation and implement additional public health measures wherever necessary to contain the spread of the infection.