Third Suspected Chandipura Death Reported in Panchmahal as Child Dies En Route to Ahmedabad

A suspected Chandipura virus infection has claimed the life of another child in Gujarat's Panchmahal district, taking the number of suspected deaths linked to the disease in the district to three this season and raising fresh concerns over preparedness against the recurring monsoon-linked outbreak.

The latest victim was a child from Manipur village in Godhra taluka who reportedly developed a high fever and convulsions before his condition deteriorated rapidly.

Child Dies While Being Shifted to Ahmedabad

According to officials, the child was initially taken to Godhra Civil Hospital by family members after the onset of severe symptoms.

Doctors at the hospital referred the child to Ahmedabad for specialised treatment after assessing the seriousness of the condition. However, the child died on the way before reaching the city hospital.

The death has left the family devastated and renewed anxiety in surrounding villages.

Third Child Death Sparks Concern

With three suspected Chandipura-related deaths now reported in Panchmahal district, fear has spread across several rural areas where cases of the virus have surfaced during previous monsoon seasons.

Residents have questioned whether sufficient preventive measures were taken despite the disease reappearing in parts of Gujarat almost every year during the rainy season.

Health authorities have since deployed medical teams to Manipur village and neighbouring areas to carry out surveillance and preventive measures.

House-to-House Surveillance Underway

Officials said door-to-door screening has begun in affected villages, while insecticide spraying and vector control activities are being intensified.

Medical teams are also monitoring children for symptoms associated with the virus.

Doctors say Chandipura virus is primarily transmitted through sand fly bites, with the insects commonly found in cracks and crevices of mud walls and poorly ventilated structures.

Children below the age of 14 are considered particularly vulnerable to the infection.

Doctors Urge Early Medical Attention

Health experts have advised parents to seek immediate medical care if children develop symptoms such as:

• High fever
• Convulsions or seizures
• Vomiting
• Sudden drowsiness or altered consciousness

Doctors said early diagnosis and prompt treatment remain critical in improving outcomes in suspected Chandipura cases.

Meanwhile, health officials are awaiting laboratory confirmation regarding the exact cause of the latest death.