Chandipura Virus Claims 12 Children, Gujarat on High Alert

AHMEDABAD : The Chandipura virus has cast a dark shadow over Gujarat’s monsoon season, with the death toll among children climbing to 12, triggering widespread concern across the state. While only three deaths have been laboratory-confirmed as Chandipura virus infections, nine other children have died after developing symptoms closely associated with the deadly disease, prompting health authorities to step up surveillance and emergency response.

The outbreak has affected districts including Gandhinagar, Panchmahal, Sabarkantha, Kheda and Aravalli, where hospitals are witnessing an increasing number of critically ill children suffering from high fever, convulsions, vomiting and diarrhoea.

According to official information shared by Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, Gujarat has so far recorded seven laboratory-confirmed Chandipura virus infections. Of these, three children have died, while four are currently undergoing treatment.

Two of the confirmed fatalities occurred in Godhra, Panchmahal, after the children tested positive during treatment. The third victim was a child from Rajasthan who had been admitted to Himmatnagar Civil Hospital.

However, the larger concern remains the growing number of suspected deaths. Six children with symptoms resembling Chandipura virus died at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital, although their laboratory reports returned negative. In Panchmahal district, four more children died after displaying similar symptoms. Two deaths were reported earlier from Vinjol and Sardarpura villages, while two additional fatalities occurred on July 12. One-year-old Sachin Rathwa died while being shifted to Ahmedabad, and two-year-old Ashish Nayak succumbed during treatment after being referred to Vadodara.

Health officials have sent 27 samples for laboratory analysis. So far, 19 samples have been tested, with seven returning positive and 12 negative. The remaining eight samples are awaiting examination at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC).

At Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, two children have tested positive and are receiving intensive care. The patients include a one-year-old child from Kapadvanj in Kheda district and a four-year-old child from Kathlal. Doctors said both children were admitted after developing high fever and convulsions and remain under constant monitoring.

Meanwhile, a three-year-old girl from Bayad in Aravalli district has been admitted to Himmatnagar Civil Hospital with suspected Chandipura virus symptoms. Her blood sample has been sent for testing.

Godhra Civil Hospital is also treating four children with severe symptoms, including convulsions, diarrhoea and vomiting, raising concerns about further spread in the district.

“From June 26 to July 13, Himmatnagar Civil Hospital received nine suspected cases. Six children died, one recovered, and among the two currently admitted, one has tested negative,” said paediatrician Dr Ashish Jain.

Dr Jain explained that Chandipura virus primarily attacks the brain, causing acute encephalitis. He added that several other viruses can also produce similar neurological symptoms, making laboratory confirmation essential.

“We are treating all patients according to ICMR guidelines. Parents should ensure insecticide spraying around mud houses and surrounding areas to reduce the vector population,” Dr Jain said.

He also revealed that although district authorities have been informed and all cases have been uploaded to the health portal, no expert team from Gandhinagar has yet visited Himmatnagar Civil Hospital, highlighting concerns over the speed of the state’s field response.