Chandipura virus outbreak: Three children dead, four on life support in Gujarat, surveillance intensified
PTC News Desk: Gujarat has reported a fresh outbreak of the Chandipura virus, with three children losing their lives and four others on ventilator support over the past two weeks. The rise in infections has prompted the state government to step up surveillance and containment measures.
The Chandipura virus (CHPV), which is spread by sand flies and can cause acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), mainly affects children. Since July 1, the state has recorded 32 suspected cases. Test results have been received for 23 patients, of whom seven have tested positive and 16 negative. Among the seven confirmed cases, three children have died, while the remaining four are receiving treatment on ventilator support. Test reports for the other nine suspected cases are still awaited.
State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said all seven confirmed patients are below the age of 10. He reviewed the situation during a high-level meeting in Gandhinagar on Monday and said the health department is actively monitoring the outbreak, treating patients, and carrying out surveillance and containment efforts.
The latest suspected case is a two-year-old girl from Meghraj taluka in Aravalli district. After developing symptoms linked to the virus, she was admitted to Himmatnagar Civil Hospital for specialised treatment.
"The health department is continuously working towards controlling the virus, treating patients and carrying out surveillance operations," the minister said, maintaining that the situation was under control.
Authorities said two patients have fully recovered and been discharged from hospital, offering some relief amid the rising number of suspected infections.
- With inputs from agencies
