Chandipura Viral Encephalitis Outbreak in Gujarat

According to a recent bulletin from the state government, the number of confirmed cases of Chandipura Viral Encephalitis (CHPV) in Gujarat has increased to 37.

The outbreak has resulted in 10 confirmed deaths, with viral encephalitis proving fatal in 44 of the 124 patients reported so far.

New Suspected Chandipura Cases in Bharuch:

In Bharuch’s Ghanikhut village, a second suspected case emerged after a 13-month-old boy was admitted to a community health center with symptoms including diarrhea, high-grade fever, and vomiting. He is currently receiving treatment at Rajpipla Civil Hospital.

Earlier, a four-year-old boy from the same village was also suspected of having the virus and was transferred to GMERS Hospital in Vadodara for further care. The blood samples of both children have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune and the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre in Gandhinagar for confirmation.

Testing and Health Measures:

Dr. J.S. Dhulera, the Bharuch District Health Officer, stated that both children are from the same village, and their homes have mud-made walls, which may be a contributing factor.

The health authorities are awaiting test results to confirm the presence of the virus. The situation of both patients is currently stable.

Negative Test Result of Chandipura in Surat:

In a related development, samples from an 11-year-old girl in Surat who had passed away were tested for the Chandipura virus but returned negative. The girl, a suspected case from the Sachin area, died on July 22 while receiving treatment at New Civil Hospital.

The health department has resumed monitoring the situation closely and is taking necessary steps to manage and contain the outbreak.

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