The Gujarat government has intensified surveillance and accelerated laboratory testing after two more suspected deaths linked to the Chandipura virus were reported from Panchmahal district in the last 24 hours.
One of the children was one-year-old Sachin Rathwa from Godhra taluka, who was admitted to a hospital in Ahmedabad. The second child, two-year-old Ashish Nayak, was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Vadodara. Both children were suspected to have been infected with the Chandipura virus.
The latest deaths have raised concerns as health officials continue to monitor the spread of the disease in affected districts.
13 Suspected Cases Reported in Panchmahal
Health officials said that 13 suspected Chandipura virus cases have been reported from Panchmahal district in recent days. Officials also confirmed that two children who died last week had tested positive for the virus, making them confirmed Chandipura virus deaths.
Meanwhile, two more suspected cases were reported from neighbouring Mahisagar district on Monday, prompting authorities to widen their surveillance efforts.
Surveillance Expanded Across the Entire Taluka
According to Dr. Surendra Jain, Divisional Deputy Director (Health), surveillance was initially limited to 24 villages, but has now been expanded to cover the entire taluka to ensure that any new cases are identified quickly.
During field inspections, health teams also found sand flies in some houses with unplastered walls. Sand flies are considered important in the spread of the Chandipura virus, making vector control an important part of the government’s response.
Government Speeds Up Testing
Following the latest suspected deaths, the state government has directed health authorities to speed up laboratory testing while continuing to identify possible cases across affected areas.
Officials clarified that although several suspected deaths have been reported, only three deaths have so far been officially confirmed to have been caused by the Chandipura virus.
Seven Samples Test Positive
After a review meeting chaired by Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya, officials shared the latest testing data. Out of 19 samples examined so far:
Seven samples tested positive for Chandipura virus.
Twelve samples tested negative.
Results of eight additional samples are still awaited.
Pansheriya said laboratory testing is progressing rapidly and the pending reports are expected soon.
Guidelines Issued to Doctors Across Gujarat
The health department, working in coordination with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), has issued fresh guidelines to paediatricians across Gujarat. Doctors have been instructed to remain in close coordination with the department’s headquarters in Gandhinagar and immediately report suspected cases.
Private clinics and smaller healthcare centres have also been directed to provide initial treatment to suspected patients and quickly refer them to hospitals equipped with oxygen and ventilator facilities whenever necessary.
Preventive Measures Already in Place
Officials said preventive measures have already been implemented at all 61 locations across Gujarat where Chandipura virus cases were reported in 2024.
Health authorities said they will continue active surveillance, testing and monitoring to detect new cases early and prevent further spread of the virus while keeping medical teams on alert across the state.
Also Read: Fatal Within Hours: Chandipura Returns To Gujarat, Claims Three Children’s Lives https://www.vibesofindia.com/chandipura-virus-gujarat-outbreak-children-deaths-explained/
