Ahmedabad: A six-year-old boy from Rajasthan has died of Chandipura virus infection at the Civil Hospital in Himmatnagar, Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district, taking the recent death toll linked to the virus to three children.

The latest fatality follows the deaths of two toddlers, aged three and four, in Panchmahal district earlier this week. In response, Gujarat health authorities have intensified surveillance and vector-control measures as several confirmed and suspected cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) are being investigated.

What is Chandipura virus?

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a rare but potentially life-threatening virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family. First identified in Maharashtra’s Chandipura village in 1965, the virus is known to cause Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, a condition involving sudden inflammation of the brain.

Although outbreaks are uncommon, they have been reported in several Indian states, particularly during the monsoon season.

How does it spread?

Unlike respiratory viruses, Chandipura virus does not spread from person to person. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies, which are commonly found in rural and semi-rural areas. Increased sandfly activity during the monsoon raises the risk of transmission.

Children under the age of 15 are considered the most vulnerable, with the majority of reported cases occurring in those below 10 years.

Symptoms and prevention

Symptoms usually appear suddenly and may progress rapidly. Common warning signs include:

  • High fever
  • Severe headache
  • Vomiting
  • Extreme weakness
  • Confusion or drowsiness
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness in severe cases

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or approved vaccine for Chandipura virus. Doctors stress that early hospitalisation and supportive care are crucial to improving survival.

Health authorities advise parents to protect children from insect bites by using repellents, mosquito nets, full-sleeved clothing and maintaining clean surroundings. They also urge immediate medical attention if a child develops fever accompanied by vomiting, seizures or altered behaviour.

Officials continue door-to-door surveillance, laboratory testing and insect-control measures in affected districts to contain the spread of the virus.