Gujarat has reported the deaths of 12 children over the past month amid a suspected outbreak of the Chandipura virus, with the state government confirming that three of the deaths were caused by the infection. Test results for the remaining nine children are still awaited.
Suspected cases have been reported from Gandhinagar, Sabarkantha, Kheda, Aravalli and Panchmahal districts, prompting the state government to step up surveillance and preventive measures.
Government confirms 3 virus-linked deaths
State Health Minister Praful Panseriya said three children have so far died after testing positive for the Chandipura virus. Two of the deaths were reported in Godhra, while one child from Rajasthan died while undergoing treatment in Himmatnagar.
The minister said extensive preventive measures have been launched in the affected districts to contain the spread of the infection.
9 more deaths under investigation
Authorities are investigating the deaths of nine other children who showed symptoms consistent with Chandipura virus infection.
According to officials, Himmatnagar Civil Hospital recorded six suspected deaths, while Godhra Civil Hospital reported three. Two of the deaths in Godhra occurred on July 11, involving children aged one and two years.
7 positive cases confirmed
Health officials said samples from 27 suspected patients have been sent for laboratory testing in Gandhinagar. Of the 19 samples tested so far, seven have returned positive for the Chandipura virus.
Among the seven confirmed cases, three children have died, while four are undergoing treatment. Test results for the remaining eight samples are still awaited.
In view of the situation, the Health Minister chaired a review meeting with senior health department officials on Saturday to assess containment measures.
Panchmahal reports 13 suspected cases
Dr. Surendra Jain, Mandal Deputy Director of Panchmahal, said the district has reported 13 suspected Chandipura virus cases so far.
A child from Mahisagar district is on ventilator support, while five children are receiving treatment at Godhra Civil Hospital after their samples were collected for testing.
The condition of four of these children is stable, while three more patients from Panchmahal are undergoing treatment at Vadodara’s SSG Hospital. Officials said their condition remains stable and test reports are awaited. One child has been discharged after recovery.
Nine Cases Reported at Himmatnagar Since June 26
Dr. Ashish Jain, a paediatrician at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital, said the hospital recorded nine suspected Chandipura cases between June 26 and July 13.
Of these, six children died, one recovered, and one of the two patients currently admitted has tested negative.
Health department urges public not to panic
The Gujarat Health Department has appealed to people not to believe rumours circulating on social media regarding the virus.
Officials urged residents to rely only on information and advisories issued by the Health Department, stating that misinformation could create unnecessary panic.
Intensive survey underway in 61 affected areas
The state administration has ordered door-to-door health surveys and insecticide spraying in 61 affected locations across Gujarat.
Many of these areas had also reported Chandipura virus cases in 2024. The virus is transmitted by sandflies, which are found in large numbers in Godhra and surrounding regions. Health authorities have intensified vector-control measures, including spraying insecticides, to reduce the sandfly population and curb further spread of the disease.
