Gujarat reports 63 suspected Chandipura virus cases, confirms eight deaths

Gandhinagar: Gujarat has confirmed 12 cases of Chandipura virus (CHPV) out of 63 suspected infections reported this year, with the state government intensifying surveillance, treatment, and vector control measures as laboratory testing continues on the eight remaining samples.

The current situation was reviewed at a meeting chaired by Health Minister Praful Pansheriya on Monday, who directed officials to conduct detailed investigations into the travel history and case history of infected patients to better understand the source of transmission.

According to the Health and Family Welfare Department, 55 of the 63 suspected samples have been tested so far, of which 12 were found positive.

Nine of the confirmed cases are from Gujarat, while three patients are from neighbouring Rajasthan. Eight laboratory reports are still awaited. The department confirmed that eight of the 12 confirmed patients have died.

Providing district-wise details, the Health Minister said two confirmed cases have been reported each from Panchmahal and Kheda districts, while one case each has been recorded in Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation area.

The minister said, “Once a case is reported from a particular area, intensive surveillance in that pocket becomes essential.”

He instructed officials to carry out a detailed examination of patients’ travel history and case history to understand the source of the virus.

The Health Department said all 63 suspected patients have been admitted to medical colleges, district hospitals or multispeciality hospitals and are receiving treatment.

Samples from every suspected case are being sent to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar for laboratory testing. Rapid Response Teams are investigating every suspected case and conducting focal surveillance in affected areas.

The state has also undertaken vector control measures, including dusting and spraying, along with Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to raise public awareness.

Officials said extensive health screening has been conducted in thousands of kutcha and pucca houses across affected areas.

Dusting operations are being carried out on a war footing around kutcha houses and cattle sheds to control sand flies and other insects believed to transmit the virus.

The Health Department added that paediatric intensive care unit beds, essential medicines and ventilators have been made available at civil hospitals and superspeciality hospitals across all district headquarters.

In collaboration with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, 1,993 paediatricians across Gujarat have also received training through Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes. “117 sand fly samples have been tested across the state so far, and all have returned negative results,” officials added.

Chandipura virus was first identified in 1965 in the village of Chandipura in Maharashtra. It is primarily transmitted by sand flies and mainly affects children under 15.

The infection can cause sudden fever, vomiting, seizures, and unconsciousness, and, in severe cases, may lead to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

Pansheriya said the virus is generally more active during the monsoon season and until September. “As the virus primarily affects young children, if any child develops symptoms such as sudden high fever, seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea or unconsciousness, parents should immediately contact the nearest government hospital or a paediatric specialist without wasting any time,” he said.

Appealing to the public to remain vigilant, the department advised parents to seek immediate medical attention if children develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, seizures, or unconsciousness.

It also urged people to avoid self-medication, wear full-sleeved clothing, use mosquito nets and maintain cleanliness around their homes to minimise contact with sand flies.

IANS