Chandipura virus outbreak: 22 children die of virus in Gujarat, seven under treatment; 35 confirmed cases
PTC News Desk: The Chandipura virus has killed 22 children in Gujarat during this monsoon season, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Panseriya said on Monday. So far, 35 cases have been confirmed out of 184 suspected infections, while test reports of 11 samples are still pending.
At present, seven infected children are being treated in government hospitals across the state, while six have recovered and been discharged. Children admitted to hospitals in Gandhinagar, Himmatnagar, Patan, Rajkot and Bhavnagar are receiving treatment under the care of specialist doctors.
The minister said all confirmed patients are below 15 years of age and the cases are spread across different parts of Gujarat, not limited to any single village or district.
To control the spread of the virus, health teams have stepped up surveillance and are spraying insecticides, especially in livestock-rearing areas where sandflies, which spread the virus, are commonly found. People have also been advised to seal cracks in mud houses and walls, as these can become breeding spots for sandflies.
The state government has instructed all government and private children's hospitals to immediately admit children showing symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, seizures or confusion to intensive care units with oxygen and ventilator support. Officials said early treatment is important to reduce the risk of serious complications, as there is currently no vaccine or specific medicine for the Chandipura virus.
Health Minister Praful Panseriya urged people not to panic or believe rumours. He appealed to parents to take children to a hospital immediately if they develop symptoms and asked the public to cooperate with health teams carrying out surveillance and prevention measures.
- With inputs from agencies
