Outbreak of Suspected Chandipura Virus Claims Six Lives in Gujarat, Cases Rise to 12

Ahmedabad, Gujarat – The Gujarat state Health Minister Rushikesh Patel reported on Monday that six children have tragically died due to suspected Chandipura virus infection since July 10, with the total number of cases rising to 12.

Patel stated, “Samples of all 12 patients have been sent to Pune’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) for confirmation.” Chandipura virus, belonging to the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family, causes symptoms such as fever resembling flu and acute encephalitis, which inflames the brain. It is primarily transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies.

According to Patel, four of the 12 cases were reported from Sabarkantha district, three from Aravalli, one each from Mahisagar and Kheda districts within Gujarat, with two patients from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh receiving treatment in Gujarat.

“Five out of the six deaths occurred at the civil hospital in Himatnagar, Sabarkantha district. All samples, including those from eight patients at this hospital, have been forwarded to NIV Pune for definitive diagnosis,” Patel added.

Initial suspicions arose when pediatricians at Himatnagar civil hospital identified Chandipura virus as the likely cause of death for four children on July 10, prompting the immediate dispatch of their samples to NIV for confirmation. Subsequently, four more children exhibiting similar symptoms were admitted to the hospital.

Patel assured, “Chandipura virus is not contagious. Nonetheless, intensive surveillance measures are being implemented in affected areas. We have conducted screenings of 18,646 individuals across 4,487 households. The health department remains vigilant round-the-clock to prevent further spread of the disease.”

Efforts are underway to contain the outbreak and provide timely medical intervention to affected individuals, as health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.