Two years after Gujarat witnessed India’s biggest Chandipura virus outbreak in more than two decades, the deadly infection has returned, raising fresh concerns among health authorities. The latest outbreak has already claimed the lives of three children within a few days.
The most recent victim was a six-year-old child from Rajasthan who died while undergoing treatment at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital in Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district after testing positive for the Chandipura virus.
Earlier this week, two toddlers aged three and four died in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district. The deaths suggest that the outbreak is now spreading beyond its initial cluster.
Health Teams Begin Large-Scale Containment Drive
Following the recent deaths, health authorities have launched an intensive containment operation in affected areas.
Hundreds of medical teams have been deployed for door-to-door surveillance, screening of residents and insecticide dusting to control the spread of insect vectors.
Officials have also appealed to parents to seek immediate medical attention if children develop sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or convulsions, warning that the disease can become fatal within hours if left untreated.
What Is Chandipura Virus?
Although Chandipura virus is not as widely known as dengue or chikungunya, public health experts consider it one of India’s most dangerous vector-borne viral infections because of its high fatality rate and extremely rapid progression.
Officially known as Chandipura vesiculovirus, the virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, the same family that includes the rabies virus.
It was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura village in Maharashtra, from which it gets its name. Since then, outbreaks have mainly been reported in western, central and southern India, particularly in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
How Does the Virus Spread?
The virus is primarily spread through the bite of infected sandflies. Research has also found evidence suggesting that ticks and mosquitoes may play a role in transmission.
However, unlike respiratory infections, Chandipura virus does not spread from person to person through coughing, touching or casual contact.
Gujarat’s Major Outbreak in 2024
India’s largest recent Chandipura virus outbreak occurred in 2024, when Gujarat reported a large number of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases, a serious condition that causes inflammation of the brain.
Laboratory testing later confirmed Chandipura virus infection in a significant number of patients, making it the country’s biggest outbreak in more than 20 years.
Historically, the virus has been linked to fatality rates ranging from 55% to 85% in confirmed cases, although experts say survival depends greatly on early diagnosis and timely supportive treatment.
Why Children Are at Higher Risk
Children are particularly vulnerable because the virus attacks the central nervous system very quickly. According to Dr. Sumit Jain, an internal medicine specialist at Paras Health in Panchkula, Chandipura virus is a rare but highly aggressive viral infection that mainly affects children and is transmitted through infected sandflies.
He said the illness usually begins with symptoms such as high fever, headache, vomiting and weakness. However, it can rapidly progress to encephalitis, or brain inflammation, leading to seizures, altered consciousness and serious neurological complications.
Dr. Jain stressed that recognising symptoms early and seeking immediate medical care is extremely important because the disease can worsen very quickly.
The Disease Can Turn Fatal Within 24 to 48 Hours
Dr. Sunil Rana, an internal medicine specialist at Asian Hospital in Faridabad, warned that Chandipura virus can become life-threatening within 24 to 48 hours after symptoms first appear. He said children may quickly develop severe neurological symptoms soon after the onset of fever. Warning signs include:
High fever
Vomiting
Headache
Seizures
Altered consciousness
Extreme drowsiness
Doctors say children showing any of these symptoms should be taken to a hospital immediately.
No Vaccine or Specific Treatment Available
One of the biggest challenges in fighting Chandipura virus is that there is currently no specific antiviral medicine or vaccine.
Patients are treated with supportive care to manage fever, seizures and swelling of the brain while doctors work to maintain vital body functions.
Experts say early hospitalisation can significantly improve the chances of survival, despite the aggressive nature of the disease.
The good news is that children who recover from the infection usually recover quickly and generally do not suffer long-term neurological damage, according to findings from previous studies.
Prevention Is the Best Protection
Since there is no vaccine, doctors say preventing infection is the most effective way to reduce the risk. Dr. Jain advised people to minimise exposure to insect vectors by:
Keeping homes and surroundings clean.
Preventing stagnant water from collecting.
Using insect repellents.
Sleeping under mosquito nets.
Wearing protective clothing, especially for children.
He also stressed the importance of public awareness, quick reporting of suspected cases and strong vector-control measures to prevent outbreaks.
Dr. Rana added that any child who develops sudden fever along with neurological symptoms should be taken to a healthcare facility without delay, as early supportive treatment can improve the chances of survival.
Extra Vigilance Needed During Monsoon
Public health experts have warned that monsoon conditions create a favourable environment for the breeding of sandflies and other insect vectors.
With the virus making a comeback in Gujarat, they say constant vigilance, early diagnosis, prompt medical care and preventive measures will be crucial to limiting further spread and protecting children from this highly aggressive infection.
Also Read: Gujarat Bags Rs 8.5 Lakh Crore Data Centre Plans; Meta, Reliance, Adani Among 20 Firm https://www.vibesofindia.com/gujarat-data-centre-investment-rs-8-5-lakh-crore-meta-reliance-adani/
