Gandhinagar, July 20: Gujarat has reported 63 suspected cases of the Chandipura virus this year, with 12 confirmed cases and ongoing investigations for 8 additional samples. The state government has ramped up measures for surveillance, treatment, and control of the virus-carrying insects.
A meeting chaired by Health Minister Prabhul Pansheriya on Monday reviewed the situation in the state. The minister instructed officials 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, out of the 63 suspected samples, 55 have been tested, revealing 12 positive cases. 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. Tragically, 8 out of the 12 infected patients have succumbed to the virus.
The minister provided district-wise updates, noting that two confirmed cases were identified in both Panchmahal and Kheda districts. Additionally, one case each was reported in Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, and the Ahmedabad municipal area.
He emphasized, “Once a case is detected in an area, intensive monitoring becomes essential.” Officials were directed to investigate the patients’ travel and medical histories in detail to understand the virus’s transmission causes.
The Health Department confirmed that all 63 suspected patients are currently hospitalized in medical colleges, district hospitals, or multi-specialty hospitals for treatment. Samples from all suspected patients are being sent to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center in Gandhinagar for analysis. Rapid response teams are actively investigating each suspected case and monitoring affected areas.
To control the insects responsible for spreading the virus, the state government has initiated dusting and spraying of medications. Additionally, information, education, and communication activities are being conducted to raise public awareness.
Officials reported that health check-up campaigns have been launched in thousands of both temporary and permanent homes in the affected areas. Large-scale spraying is being conducted around temporary shelters and animal enclosures to control sand flies and other insects, which are believed to facilitate the spread of the Chandipura virus.
The Health Department has ensured that ICU beds, essential medications, and ventilators are available for children in civil hospitals and super-specialty hospitals across all district headquarters. In collaboration with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, continuous medical education programs are being provided to 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 this infection may include sudden high fever, vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, it can lead to acute encephalitis syndrome.
Health Minister Prabhul Pansheriya noted that the virus typically becomes more active during the monsoon season and remains so until September. He urged parents to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest government hospital or pediatrician if their children exhibit symptoms such as sudden high fever, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of consciousness.
The Health Department has appealed to the public to remain vigilant, advising immediate treatment for children showing symptoms like fever, vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness. They also recommended avoiding self-medication without a doctor’s advice, wearing full-sleeve clothing, using mosquito nets, and maintaining cleanliness around homes to minimize contact with sand flies.
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