Gujarat has reported three deaths among children and six laboratory confirmed cases of Chandipura Virus (CHPV), prompting the state health department to intensify surveillance and vector control measures in affected districts. Officials said the majority of cases have been reported from North Gujarat and the state’s eastern tribal belt, regions that were also significantly affected during the 2024 Chandipura virus outbreak.

According to health authorities, Chandipura virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected sand flies and can cause Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), a severe neurological condition that mainly affects children. Early symptoms include high grade fever, vomiting, altered consciousness and seizures, with the disease capable of progressing rapidly if not treated promptly.

The health department has stepped up surveillance, fever screening, vector control activities and public awareness campaigns in vulnerable areas. Medical teams have also been instructed to ensure early diagnosis, timely referral and adequate management of suspected AES cases to prevent further fatalities.

Chandipura virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and has caused sporadic outbreaks in western and central India over the past two decades. During the 2024 outbreak, Gujarat recorded one of the highest case burdens, leading to enhanced surveillance and coordinated public health interventions by both the state government and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Public health experts have advised parents to seek immediate medical attention if children develop persistent fever, convulsions or altered mental status. They also stressed the importance of preventing sand fly bites through insecticide spraying, use of mosquito nets, maintaining household hygiene and reducing vector breeding sites.

Health officials said surveillance remains active across affected districts, with rapid response teams monitoring the situation closely to contain the spread of the virus and prevent additional cases during the ongoing transmission season.