Gandhinagar, August 11: The state of Gujarat has reported 225 suspected cases of the Chandipura virus since June 30. Of these, 39 cases have been confirmed through laboratory tests, and the death toll among confirmed patients has risen to 25, according to the latest figures released by the health department on Monday.
Earlier this month, the state reported 184 suspected cases, marking an increase of 41 cases to the current total of 225, while the number of confirmed cases remains at 39.
The fatalities among Chandipura-positive patients have increased from 22 to 25. Laboratory testing has been completed for 212 of the 225 suspected cases, with results pending for the remaining 13 samples. This means the number of confirmed cases may change once those results are available. The latest data covers the period from June 30 to August 10.
The first signs of this illness were detected in Panchmahal, where two young children died in early July after exhibiting symptoms of the Chandipura infection. Following these deaths, surveillance, testing, and vector control measures were intensified in the affected areas, leading to a rise in cases across the state.
On July 20, the health department reported 63 suspected cases, of which 12 tested positive. At that time, results for eight samples were still pending.
Health Minister Prabhul Panseria stated that the department is closely monitoring the affected areas, investigating the travel and case history of patients, and strengthening vector control measures.
By early August, the state had recorded 184 suspected cases, 35 confirmed infections, and 22 deaths.
Reports indicated that all confirmed patients were under 15 years old, with infections emerging from various parts of Gujarat rather than being confined to a single village or district.
The Chandipura virus is a vector-borne infection that can lead to acute encephalitis syndrome, particularly in children. It primarily spreads through sandflies, with cases typically peaking during the monsoon season. At the onset of the outbreak, the health department advised doctors to promptly refer suspected pediatric cases to hospitals equipped with oxygen and ventilator facilities.
Panseria also mentioned that efforts are underway to expedite laboratory testing for timely disease detection. With 13 lab reports still pending, health officials continue to monitor and test, keeping a close watch on the state’s pandemic situation.
–
Leave a Comment