Gujarat Government Intensifies Efforts to Combat Viral Encephalitis Outbreak

Gandhinagar : Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, chaired a high-level review meeting to oversee the state government health department’s intensive preventive measures against suspected cases of viral encephalitis. The CM conducted a video conference with district collectors, development officers, municipal commissioners, and chief district health officers to gather comprehensive details on treatment, management, surveillance activities, preventive measures, and curative strategies related to suspected viral encephalitis cases in their respective districts.

The first suspected case of viral encephalitis was identified on June 27, when a patient from Udaipur, Rajasthan, was admitted to Himmatnagar Medical College in Gujarat. As of July 18, 2024, a total of 33 suspected cases of viral encephalitis have been reported, with 30 cases in Gujarat alone. Sixteen deaths have been reported. Samples for Chandipura virus were sent to Pune for confirmation, and out of the seven samples received, six tested negative while one tested positive. The review meeting explained the state health system’s rigorous measures for vector control and containment of the Chandipura virus and viral encephalitis. Accordingly, 260 teams conducted surveillance of 56,651 individuals across 11,050 households. Malathion powder dusting was conducted in 4,838 kachha houses and cattle sheds to prevent the disease.

Sufficient availability of malathion powder has been ensured in the districts. However, the Chief Minister instructed the health department to make additional arrangements as needed. During the meeting, the CM recommended extensive public awareness campaigns through media and social platforms to prevent fear from spreading among the people regarding the virus. During the meeting, arrangements were swiftly made to send samples of suspected viral encephalitis cases admitted to hospitals and medical colleges across all districts for testing at the National Institute of Virology in Pune. Besides, CM directed immediate and appropriate arrangements to be made for the care of suspected viral encephalitis patients in their respective hospitals.

During the video conference review meeting, Health Minister Shri Rushikesh Patel stated that rapid response teams would investigate each case under the supervision of chief district health officers. He noted that state-level rapid response teams have conducted on-site investigations in cases from the Aravalli and Sabarkantha districts, and emphasized their readiness to deploy these teams in other districts as required. The Health Department has also initiated the operation of the 104 helpline for information regarding the management of all viral encephalitis cases, added the Health Minister.

According to doctors’ diagnoses, current cases exhibiting symptoms resembling viral encephalitis, similar to those associated with Chandipura, have been identified for initial treatment. Consequently, the Health Minister emphasised that patients displaying these primary symptoms should promptly seek admission to medical colleges or district hospitals for appropriate care and treatment. Also, all talukas and potentially affected areas in the state were advised to conduct insecticide spraying and distribute medications like malathion for vector control. Additionally, the Health Minister directed Asha workers and local health teams to intensify efforts to raise awareness about this disease. He also confirmed that all necessary arrangements, including ventilators and oxygen in district hospitals and other healthcare facilities, are sufficient for patients infected with this disease.