Six Children Die in Gujarat from Suspected Chandipura Virus

Six children have died in Gujarat from suspected Chandipura virus, which has affected about 12 people in the state, health minister Rushikesh Patel said on Monday.

“There are six suspected deaths due to Chandipura virus in the state. However, confirmation of whether these cases were indeed due to Chandipura disease will only be possible after the sample results are received,” he said in a video statement released on X, formerly Twitter.

About Chandipura Virus:

Chandipura Viral Encephalitis (CHPV) causes fever, with symptoms similar to flu and acute encephalitis (brain inflammation). The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae.

Vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies transmit it. The virus is named after Maharashtra’s Chandipura district, where the first CHPV outbreak was reported in 1965.

Patel said the samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for testing, and the results are expected in 12 to 15 days.

Affected Age Group and Regions:

The virus primarily affects children between 9 months and 14 years of age and is typically observed during the rainy season, particularly in rural areas.

Of the 12 suspected cases identified in Gujarat, four were reported in Sabarkantha, three in Aravalli, and one in Mahisagar and Kheda. Additionally, Patel said two patients came from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh.

The state health department has initiated extensive surveillance and control measures. Officials have screened 18,646 individuals from 4,487 households and conducted insecticide spraying in 2,093 houses to control sandfly populations.

Public Advisory on Chandipura Virus:

Health authorities have advised the public to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as high-grade fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or convulsions appear, especially in children.

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