First Reported Chandipura Virus Fatality in Gujarat: A Four-Year-Old Girl's Tragic Death

Gujarat has reported its first death caused by the Chandipura virus, with a four-year-old girl from Aravalli district testing positive posthumously. This virus, known for flu-like symptoms and encephalitis, has 29 suspected cases in Gujarat alone. Fourteen patients have died so far, with health screenings being intensified across the state.

In a tragic development, Gujarat health officials confirmed the state's first death caused by the Chandipura virus. A four-year-old girl from Aravalli district tested positive for the virus posthumously, according to a report from Pune's National Institute of Virology (NIV).

The state health department has reported 29 suspected cases of Chandipura virus. Of these, 14 patients have succumbed to the infection, with only one confirmed case. Health screenings have been ramped up, encompassing over 51,000 individuals across 26 residential zones.

The Chandipura virus, transmitted through mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies, leads to symptoms like fever and acute encephalitis. Previous outbreaks in central India had high fatality rates, emphasizing the need for vigilant public health measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)