Chandipura Virus Outbreak: Six Children Died, 12 Cases Reported
In the past five days, Gujarat has reported six deaths among children due to a suspected outbreak of the Chandipura virus. State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel confirmed that the total number of suspected cases has now reached 12.
Overview of Chandipura Virus
It typically causes fever and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), presenting with flu-like symptoms. The virus is transmitted through vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies.
Distribution of Cases
Among the 12 suspected cases, four are from Sabarkantha district, three from Aravalli, and one each from Mahisagar and Kheda. Additionally, two patients from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh, who were treated in Gujarat, are also among the suspected cases.
Deaths and Sample Testing
Out of the six reported deaths, five occurred at the civil hospital in Himatnagar, Sabarkantha district. Twelve samples, eight from Sabarkantha, were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for confirmation.
Initial Suspicions and Testing
Paediatricians at the Himatnagar Civil Hospital first suspected Chandipura virus as the cause of death for four children on July 10 and sent their samples to NIV. Four more children at the hospital exhibited similar symptoms.
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The confirmation of the Chandipura virus as the cause of these cases will depend on the results from the sample tests.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
