Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Gandhinagar, Jul 20: Gujarat has confirmed 12 cases of Chandipura virus (CHPV) from 63 suspected infections reported so far this year, with eight of the infected patients succumbing to the disease, prompting the state government to intensify surveillance, treatment and vector control measures.
The evolving situation was reviewed on Monday at a high-level meeting chaired by Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, who directed officials to investigate the travel history and exposure of infected patients to identify the source of transmission and prevent further spread.
According to the Health and Family Welfare Department, 55 of the 63 suspected samples have been tested at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar. Of these, 12 tested positive, while reports on the remaining eight samples are awaited.
Officials said nine of the confirmed cases belong to Gujarat, while three patients are from neighbouring Rajasthan.
Providing district-wise details, the Health Minister said Panchmahal and Kheda have reported two confirmed cases each, while Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Bharuch, Bhavnagar and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation area have reported one case each.
Pansheriya stressed that once a case is detected in any locality, intensive surveillance in the surrounding area becomes essential to prevent further transmission. He instructed health officials to carry out comprehensive epidemiological investigations into every confirmed case.
The Health Department said all 63 suspected patients have been admitted to medical colleges, district hospitals and multispeciality healthcare facilities, where they are receiving treatment.
Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed to investigate every suspected case, conduct field surveillance and monitor affected localities.
As part of preventive measures, the state has launched extensive vector control operations, including insecticide spraying and dusting in vulnerable areas, along with Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns to spread awareness among the public.
Officials said large-scale health screening has been conducted in thousands of kutcha and pucca houses, particularly in affected villages. Intensive dusting is also being carried out around mud houses and cattle sheds to eliminate sand flies and other insects suspected of transmitting the virus.
To strengthen medical preparedness, paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) beds, ventilators and essential medicines have been made available at civil and superspeciality hospitals across district headquarters.
The department also said 1,993 paediatricians across Gujarat have been trained through Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes conducted in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics to ensure early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Officials added that 117 sand fly samples collected from different parts of the state have been tested so far, with all samples returning negative results.
Chandipura virus was first identified in 1965 in Maharashtra's Chandipura village. The virus is primarily transmitted through sand flies and mainly affects children below the age of 15.
The infection can cause high fever, vomiting, seizures and loss of consciousness, and in severe cases may lead to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), which can be life-threatening.
The Health Minister noted that Chandipura virus infections are generally more common during the monsoon season and continue until September. He urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if children develop symptoms such as sudden fever, vomiting, convulsions, diarrhoea or unconsciousness.
The Health Department also advised the public to avoid self-medication, maintain clean surroundings, wear full-sleeved clothing, use mosquito nets and take precautions to minimise exposure to sand flies.