Chandipura Virus Outbreak Claims Lives of Six Children in Gujarat

A concerning outbreak of the Chandipura virus in Gujarat has tragically resulted in the loss of six young lives since July 10, with a total of 12 cases of the infection reported in the state. Health Minister Rushikesh Patel disclosed that the affected individuals’ samples have been dispatched to Pune‘s esteemed National Institute of Virology (NIV) for further analysis.

The Chandipura virus, belonging to the Vesiculovirus genus within the family Rhabdoviridae, is responsible for causing fever and symptoms resembling flu, as well as acute encephalitis – an inflammation of the brain. The transmission of this pathogen occurs through vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies.

Among the 12 patients, four hail from Sabarkantha district, three from Aravalli, with singular cases from Mahisagar and Kheda in Gujarat. Additionally, two patients were identified from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh, all of whom received medical attention within Gujarat.

Minister Patel highlighted that while six deaths have been linked to the suspected Chandipura virus, definitive conclusions can only be drawn post the results of the samples examined at NIV. Of the reported fatalities, five occurred at the civil hospital in Himatnagar, Sabarkantha district.

The ordeal commenced when pediatricians at the Himatnagar civil hospital detected Chandipura virus as a probable cause of death for four children on July 10, prompting the submission of samples to NIV. Subsequently, four more children exhibited similar symptoms, necessitating further investigation.

Notably, the Chandipura virus does not exhibit contagious properties. Nonetheless, stringent surveillance measures have been implemented in the affected regions, encompassing the screening of 18,646 individuals residing in 4,487 households. The state’s health department maintains an around-the-clock vigil to contain the spread of this disease.