Gujarat has recently confirmed seven cases of Chandipura Viral Encephalitis (CHPV) across six districts, according to a new government bulletin. The total number of suspected cases in the state has risen to 58, spanning 20 districts and cities. Tragically, there have been 20 deaths among these suspected cases.
The confirmed CHPV cases have been identified in Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Panchmahal, Morbi, Vadodara, and Mehsana. Sabarkantha has reported the highest number of cases, with eight suspected instances and one death. State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel visited Sabarkantha on Friday to assess the situation.
To confirm the presence of CHPV, samples from suspected cases have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune. Health authorities have conducted extensive preventive measures, including screening 87,000 individuals and treating 4,340 houses with malathion powder to curb the virus’s spread.
CHPV, a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, was first identified in Chandipura village, Maharashtra, in 1956. Transmitted by sandflies and mosquitoes, it primarily affects children under 15 years old. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
As of Wednesday, the National Institute of Virology confirmed that a four-year-old girl died from CHPV, raising the death toll of confirmed cases to 15. Out of the 29 suspected cases reported, 26 are from Gujarat, two from Rajasthan, and one from Madhya Pradesh. Among the 15 deaths, 13 occurred in Gujarat, with one each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
In response to the outbreak, preventive measures have been intensified in the affected districts. Health teams have screened 51,725 people, and dusting and fumigation efforts are underway. The state government has also alerted all districts and rural hospitals to send any suspected cases to the National Institute of Virology for further testing.
Minister Patel assured the public that the necessary precautions are being taken and urged people to stay calm and adhere to preventive measures. Chandipura virus, known for causing severe flu-like symptoms and acute encephalitis, has previously shown high case fatality rates during outbreaks, making it crucial to control its spread effectively.
