The Gujarat Health Department has stepped up surveillance and response measures after more cases of the Chandipura virus were reported in the state. Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said not all suspected cases have turned out to be Chandipura virus infections. So far, 184 suspected cases have been reported. Of these, 35 have tested positive, and results for 11 samples are still awaited.
The minister said 22 children have died due to the virus so far. Seven confirmed patients are currently being treated at civil hospitals across the state, while six others have recovered and been discharged.
Children are receiving specialised treatment at civil hospitals in Gandhinagar, Himmatnagar (Sabarkantha), Patan, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar, where doctors are closely monitoring their condition.
Pansheriya said the infection is not limited to one village or area, cases have been reported from different parts of Gujarat. Health Department teams are conducting surveillance and taking preventive steps on the ground.
What’s Being Done To Contain The Spread
As part of the containment plan, the department has asked people to seal cracks in mud houses and earthen walls, since sandflies, believed to spread the virus, breed in such spaces. Intensive insecticide spraying is also being carried out in areas where livestock is kept.
All government and private children’s hospitals have been told to immediately admit children showing symptoms to ICU beds equipped with oxygen and ventilator support, to help prevent complications like multiple organ failure.
The minister said there is currently no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for the Chandipura virus. However, teams of doctors and researchers are working on studies to develop one.
Pansheriya appealed to the public to stay alert and avoid spreading rumours. He urged parents to seek immediate medical help if children show symptoms such as fever, vomiting, seizures, or other serious neurological signs, and asked citizens to cooperate with health teams carrying out surveillance and awareness work.
The state government said its health machinery has been put on high alert after Chandipura virus cases were detected among children below 15 years of age, with continuous monitoring and preventive steps being taken under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.