Chandipura Virus resurfaces in Gujarat: 3 children dead, 6 infected amid monsoon

Ahmedabad: The Chandipura virus has resurfaced in Gujarat with the arrival of the monsoon season, raising concerns among health officials after three children died and six others were reported infected.

According to the news reports, a three-year-old girl from Sabarkantha died at a government hospital on Friday, with her sample sent for laboratory confirmation as a suspected fourth fatality. Health officials are awaiting the test results to determine whether the death was linked to the virus.

Also Read:At least 32 killed in worst outbreak of Chandipura virus in over 20 years

Meanwhile, two children, aged one and four years, from Kheda were shifted to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital on Saturday after showing suspected symptoms. Their test reports are awaited.

Speaking to The Economic Times, ACS (health and family welfare) Rajiv Topno said, “We are taking preventive action including surveillance, intra-residential spray, cleanliness, mud wall filling, and communication of local IMA officials about any suspected case that can be taken to tertiary care hospitals based on symptoms.”

Dr Nilam Patel, Additional Director (Public Health), said an intensive containment campaign was launched across 61 villages in 21 districts on Friday, based on lessons from the 2024 outbreak. A door-to-door survey is being conducted, while residents are being educated about the symptoms and risks associated with the infection.

Officials said most reported cases are concentrated in North Gujarat and the eastern tribal belt. The Chandipura virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected sand flies and can lead to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), a serious neurological condition.

The infection commonly begins with a high-grade fever and may progress to seizures or epileptic convulsions due to its impact on the brain.

Gujarat witnessed one of the worst outbreaks of Chandipura virus in 2024, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance and preventive measures during the monsoon season.

In a tragic series of events, the deaths of five young children in Rajasthan’s Salumbar district have sparked fears of suspected viral encephalitis and prompted an intensive surveillance and outbreak control operation across affected villages.

Also Read:5 children die in Rajasthan's Salumbar; viral encephalitis suspected