Gujarat on Alert Mode as Chandipura Claims 2 More Lives, Death Toll Rises to 5

Gujarat’s health department has gone into alert mode as the deadly Chandipura virus continues to spread across the state, triggering concern among residents. Two children have died in Bhavnagar and Jamnagar districts, taking the toll from the virus to five.

According to official data from the health department, Gujarat has so far recorded 13 suspected cases of Chandipura virus, of which 10 have tested positive. A total of five children have died due to the infection.

Chandipura claims lives in Bhavnagar and Jamnagar

The virus has now spread to the Saurashtra region, with fatalities reported in Bhavnagar and Jamnagar districts.

A nine-year-old boy from Melana village in Vallabhipur taluka of Bhavnagar district was admitted to a hospital on July 8. He later tested positive for Chandipura virus and died during treatment. This is the first Chandipura-related death reported from Bhavnagar district.

In Jamnagar, a two-year-old girl also died while undergoing treatment after showing symptoms consistent with Chandipura virus infection. However, her test report is still awaited.

Three children under treatment in Himmatnagar and Vadnagar

Sabarkantha district has so far reported seven suspected cases of Chandipura virus. Of these, six children have tested negative, while one has tested positive.

Currently, one infected child is undergoing treatment at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital, while two children are being treated at Vadnagar Civil Hospital.

Panchmahal district has also reported three fresh suspected cases, raising concerns among parents. The suspected patients include a two-year-old boy from Honselav village in Shehra taluka, a girl from Khabda village in Morva Hadaf and another girl from Kalol.

Doctors have begun treatment and sample collection from all three children.

57 Tests Conducted

The number of suspected Chandipura virus cases in Gujarat has now reached 57. Of these, reports of 42 samples have been received, while the results of 15 samples are still awaited.

In response to the outbreak, the health department has launched an intensive drive in affected areas, including powder dusting and insecticide spraying to eliminate sandflies, which are believed to spread the virus.

Authorities have also urged people in rural areas to immediately contact the nearest health centre if children develop symptoms such as fever or vomiting.