Daijiworld Media Network – Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Aug 5: The Gujarat government has intensified surveillance and preventive measures following the deaths of 22 children amid the Chandipura virus outbreak, while urging the public not to panic as only a fraction of the suspected cases have been confirmed as infections.

Health Minister Praful Panseriya said the state has reported 184 suspected cases of Chandipura virus so far, of which 35 have tested positive. Test results of 11 samples are still awaited. Seven children are currently undergoing treatment in government hospitals, while six patients have recovered and been discharged.

The minister clarified that not every suspected case is a Chandipura virus infection and said confirmed cases have been reported from different parts of Gujarat.

The Health Department said children admitted to government hospitals in Gandhinagar, Himmatnagar, Patan, Rajkot and Bhavnagar are receiving specialised treatment under close medical supervision. All government and private paediatric hospitals have also been instructed to immediately admit children showing symptoms to ICUs equipped with oxygen and ventilator support to prevent serious complications.

With the virus primarily spread by sandflies, the state has stepped up vector-control measures. Residents have been advised to seal cracks in mud houses and earthen walls, allow insecticide spraying in villages, particularly in livestock-rearing areas, and cooperate with health teams conducting surveillance and awareness drives.

Officials reiterated that there is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Chandipura virus. They stressed that early diagnosis, prompt hospitalisation and supportive medical care remain the best way to improve outcomes.

Parents have been urged to seek immediate medical attention if children develop symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, seizures, unusual drowsiness or sudden changes in behaviour or consciousness.

The government said the situation is being closely monitored under the supervision of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with surveillance strengthened across the state and hospitals placed on alert. Authorities have also appealed to the public not to spread rumours and to rely only on official information regarding the outbreak.