4-Year-Old Dies of Chandipura Virus in Ahmedabad; AMC Faces Questions Over Delay in Disclosing Confirmed Case

A four-year-old child from Dahod, who had been living with his family in Ahmedabad's Chandkheda area, has died after contracting the Chandipura virus, with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) facing criticism over an alleged delay in publicly disclosing the confirmed case.

The child died on July 17 after being shifted to Dahod's Gandhi Hospital. However, the AMC's health department disclosed details of the case only after State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya announced the infection, prompting questions over the civic body's handling of the matter.

Child tested positive before discharge

According to officials, the child was admitted to SMS Hospital in Chandkheda late on July 14 with high fever, convulsions and a semi-conscious condition. Suspecting Chandipura virus infection, doctors sent samples to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar on July 15. The infection was confirmed on July 16.

Officials said the child's family sought discharge despite repeated counselling by hospital staff and medical officers, who explained the seriousness of the condition. The civic body also coordinated with an organisation to provide financial assistance, but the family chose to leave the hospital. The child was discharged against medical advice (DAMA) in a semi-conscious state and shifted to Gandhi Hospital in Dahod, where he died the following morning.

AMC launches surveillance after case emerges

Following confirmation of the case, AMC carried out an intensive health survey covering 56 kutcha houses in the Chandkheda area. Preventive measures, including lime dusting and insecticide spraying, were also undertaken to reduce the risk of further transmission.

However, questions have been raised over why the confirmed case was not disclosed immediately. Critics have alleged that the civic body's health department remained silent despite receiving laboratory confirmation on July 16, releasing details only after the Health Minister's announcement.

State reports 63 suspected Chandipura cases

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said Gujarat has reported 63 suspected Chandipura virus cases so far. Laboratory reports have been received for 55 patients, of which 12 tested positive, while reports of eight samples are still awaited.

Of the 12 confirmed cases, nine are from Gujarat and three from Rajasthan. Positive cases have been reported from Panchmahal, Kheda, Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Bharuch, Bhavnagar and Ahmedabad.

The minister said authorities have been instructed to intensify surveillance in affected areas and conduct detailed investigations into patients' travel and exposure histories to identify the source of infection.

What is Chandipura virus?

Chandipura virus is a vector-borne viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. The insects typically breed in cracks in walls, damp surroundings and poorly ventilated rural or kutcha houses.

The disease primarily affects children and can progress rapidly, making early medical intervention critical.

Common symptoms

• Sudden high fever
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Convulsions
• Drowsiness or semi-consciousness
• Loss of consciousness in severe cases

Doctors warn that delayed treatment can prove fatal within 24 to 48 hours after symptoms appear.

Preventive measures

Health authorities have advised residents to:

• Seal cracks and crevices in walls.
• Ensure adequate sunlight and ventilation inside homes.
• Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets, particularly for children below 15 years.
• Seek immediate medical attention if a child develops fever, vomiting or convulsions.
• Cooperate with vector-control measures, including insecticide spraying and dusting in affected localities.

Officials have also urged families not to rely on home remedies or seek discharge against medical advice if Chandipura virus infection is suspected.