Gujarat has reported nine cases of the Chandipura virus, a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family, which is known to cause fever and acute encephalitis. The virus, transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies, has raised concerns in the state.
Health Minister Rushikesh Patel addressed the public on Monday, emphasizing the need for caution rather than fear. “Chandipura is not a new virus,” Patel stated. “The first case was registered in Maharashtra in 1965. Every year, cases are reported in Gujarat.”
Patel explained that the virus primarily affects children aged nine months to 14 years and is more prevalent in rural areas. Common symptoms include fever, vomiting, loose motion, and headache. The minister advised consulting a doctor if these symptoms are observed.
In Gujarat, the virus has been detected in four districts, with three cases involving individuals from other states residing in Gujarat. Although there have been six deaths, they have not been confirmed as caused by the Chandipura virus.
Patel reassured the public that extensive screening had been conducted, covering over 400 houses and 19,000 people. “This disease is not contagious,” he affirmed.
Earlier, PTI reported that four children had died and two others were undergoing treatment in Sabarkantha district for suspected Chandipura virus infection. The two children were being treated at the civil hospital in Himmatnagar.
The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune confirmed the first death due to the Chandipura virus—a four-year-old girl. The death toll for suspected cases has reached 15, as the virus has spread to nearly a dozen districts.
“As of Wednesday, 15 deaths have been reported, with one confirmed due to the Chandipura virus. The symptoms are similar in all cases, so it’s assumed that they are the same,” a Health Department official said.
The virus has affected districts including Sabarkantha, Aravali, Mehsana, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Morbi, and Panchmahal. Preventive measures have been launched in affected districts, with 51,725 people screened and fumigation efforts underway.
“All districts have been alerted, and the State Health Department has taken action. District and rural hospitals have been instructed to send samples of suspected cases to NIV,” Patel told the media. He assured that necessary measures are in place, urging people not to panic but to take precautions.
About Chandipura Virus
The Chandipura virus causes fever and symptoms similar to the flu, often progressing to acute encephalitis. It is transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. Historical outbreaks in central India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, had case fatality rates ranging from 56-75% with typical encephalitic symptoms.
Symptoms
Infection with the Chandipura virus typically begins with a sudden high fever, followed by severe headaches, vomiting, convulsions, and altered mental status. Rapid progression can lead to encephalitis, potentially resulting in coma or death if not treated promptly.
Read Also: CII Gujarat Debuts ‘Breakfast with Champions’ Featuring Sanjay Lalbhai of Arvind Limited