Gandhinagar, July 20: Gujarat has reported 12 confirmed cases of the Chandipura virus this year, with a total of 63 suspected cases identified. Out of these, 8 fatalities have been recorded, prompting the state government to enhance surveillance and control measures against the virus-carrying insects.
During a meeting chaired by Health Minister Prabhul Pansheriya, officials were instructed to conduct thorough investigations into the travel history and health details of infected patients to trace the source of the virus.
According to the Health and Family Welfare Department, 55 of the 63 suspected samples have been tested, with 12 returning positive results. Among the confirmed cases, 9 patients are from Gujarat, while 3 are from the neighboring state of Rajasthan. Reports for 8 samples are still pending.
The minister provided district-wise updates, indicating that two confirmed cases were found in both Panchmahal and Kheda districts, with one case each reported in Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, and the Ahmedabad municipal area. He emphasized the need for intensive monitoring in any area where a case is reported.
All 63 suspected patients have been admitted to medical colleges, district hospitals, or multi-specialty hospitals for treatment. Samples from these patients are being sent to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre in Gandhinagar for testing. Rapid response teams are actively investigating each suspected case and monitoring affected areas.
To control the insects that spread the virus, the state government has initiated dusting and spraying of medications. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate the public.
Health officials have launched health check-up campaigns in thousands of homes in affected areas. Large-scale spraying is being carried out around mud houses and animal enclosures to control sand flies and other insects believed to be responsible for the virus’s spread.
The Health Department has ensured that ICU beds, essential medications, and ventilators are available for children at civil hospitals and super-specialty hospitals across all district headquarters.
In collaboration with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, continuous medical education programs are being conducted for 1,993 pediatricians in Gujarat. So far, 117 samples of sand flies have been tested, all returning negative results.
The Chandipura virus was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura village, Maharashtra. It primarily spreads through sand flies and predominantly affects children under the age of 15. Symptoms of the infection can include sudden high fever, vomiting, seizures, and unconsciousness, potentially leading to acute encephalitis syndrome in severe cases.
Minister Pansheriya noted that the virus is typically more active during the monsoon season, peaking until September. He urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if children exhibit symptoms such as sudden high fever, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, or unconsciousness.
The Health Department has urged the public to remain vigilant, advising immediate treatment for children showing symptoms of fever, vomiting, seizures, or unconsciousness. They also recommended avoiding self-medication, wearing full-sleeve clothing, using mosquito nets, and maintaining cleanliness around homes to reduce contact with sand flies.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
