Home / Health / Gujarat Monsoon: Chandipura Virus Claims 22 Young Lives
Gujarat Monsoon: Chandipura Virus Claims 22 Young Lives
5 Aug
Summary
- Chandipura virus has caused 22 child deaths in Gujarat this monsoon.
- 35 cases have tested positive out of 184 suspected infections.
- Health teams are spraying pesticides to control sandflies, the vector.
This monsoon season, Gujarat has grappled with a severe outbreak of Chandipura encephalitis, a viral disease causing brain inflammation. Tragically, 22 children under 15 years of age have succumbed to the Chandipura virus. Out of 184 suspected cases registered statewide, 35 have tested positive, with results for 11 samples still pending.
Seven young patients are currently receiving treatment in civil and paediatric hospitals across Gandhinagar, Rajkot, and other districts. Authorities have mandated that symptomatic patients be admitted to ICU beds immediately to prevent organ failure.
The Chandipura virus is primarily spread by sandflies and other insects. In response, health teams are conducting pesticide spraying in areas with animal husbandry to target these vectors. The virus, first identified in 1965, is not concentrated in a single village but is being reported from various locations within the state. Government and private paediatric facilities are equipped to provide super-specialist care, including oxygen and ventilator support, to critically ill children.
