Suspected Chandipura Virus Claims Lives of Six Children in Gujarat

Six children have died from suspected Chandipura virus in Gujarat within the past five days. The virus, which causes fever and acute encephalitis, has led to 12 suspected cases. Samples have been sent to Pune's National Institute of Virology for definitive confirmation, and health surveillance efforts are ongoing.

In a concerning development, six children have died from suspected Chandipura virus in Gujarat over the past five days, state Health Minister Rushikesh Patel announced Monday. The total number of suspected cases has surged to 12.

The Chandipura virus, known to cause fever and acute encephalitis, is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus under the Rhabdoviridae family, transmitted through vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies. Patel noted that among the 12 suspected cases, four patients are from Sabarkantha district, three from Aravalli, and one each from Mahisagar and Kheda. Additionally, two patients are from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh but received treatment in Gujarat.

Samples from all 12 patients have been sent to Pune's National Institute of Virology (NIV) for confirmation. Despite the virus not being contagious, intensive surveillance has been launched in affected areas, with the health department screening 18,646 individuals in 4,487 homes to prevent further spread.