Gujarat Reports Rising Chandipura Virus Cases and Fatalities

Gujarat has reported 13 new suspected Chandipura virus cases and five fatalities, raising the total number of confirmed and suspected infections to 84 and the death toll to 32. The state health department has initiated several measures to control the viral infection transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies.

Gujarat on Sunday reported 13 fresh suspected Chandipura virus cases and five fatalities, according to the state health department.

With the new cases, the total number of confirmed and suspected infections has reached 84, while the death toll rose to 32. New suspected cases were reported from various districts including Ahmedabad, Aravalli, Banaskantha, Surendranagar, Gandhinagar, Kheda, Mehsana, Narmada, Vadodara, and Rajkot.

Among the five recent fatalities, one each was reported from Mahisagar, Kheda, and Vadodara, and two from Banaskantha, stated the health department.

In response, the government has taken several measures to control the viral infection spread by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies.

The Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirmed nine cases of Chandipura virus from Gujarat on Saturday.

Although no new confirmed cases were recorded on Sunday, samples of suspected cases have been sent to the NIV for testing. The state reported its first Chandipura virus death on Wednesday, prompting directives for daily monitoring and detection efforts at the local level.

Health department teams have conducted surveillance across 19,000 households and sprayed protective powder in 1.16 lakh houses in affected areas. Rapid response teams are investigating each case, and the public is advised to use personal protective measures.

Chandipura virus causes fever, flu-like symptoms, and acute encephalitis and is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. Historical outbreaks in 2003-2004 had high fatality rates in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.

The Union Health Ministry, with experts, reviewed the Chandipura virus cases and Acute Encephalitis syndrome cases in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh on Friday.

(With inputs from agencies.)