Chandipura Scare Grips Sabarkantha: 7 Suspected Cases, 5 Deaths in 14 Days

The health department has intensified surveillance in Sabarkantha district after seven suspected cases of Chandipura virus were reported at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital over the past 14 days. Five patients have died, while two children are currently undergoing treatment.

According to officials, one of the deceased children has tested positive for the Chandipura virus, another tested negative and the report of a third child is still awaited. 

The suspected cases were recorded between June 29 and July 9, prompting health authorities to launch preventive measures in the affected areas.

Children from Gujarat and Rajasthan among suspected cases

Among the deceased was a child from Janodara village in Banaskantha district, whose test report returned negative. A four-year-old child from Babari village in Rajasthan’s Udaipur district tested positive for the Chandipura virus after his death.

An 11-year-old girl from Vyasda village in Panchmahal district also died, while her test report is still pending. Another child from Raheda village in Vadali taluka succumbed to the suspected infection.

A child from Demti village in Poshina taluka was admitted to Himmatnagar Civil Hospital for treatment. However, the child later died after the family allegedly left the hospital before the treatment process was completed.

At present, a two-year-old child from Rajasthan and another child from Khedavada village in Sabarkantha are undergoing treatment at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital. Their test reports are awaited.

Health department launches surveillance in four villages

Following the rise in suspected cases, health teams have been deployed in Raheda, Nanachekhla, Fichod and Demti villages. Authorities have launched an intensive survey and surveillance drive to identify additional cases and contain the spread of the virus.

Officials fear that if more cases emerge, state health teams may be required to camp in the district to strengthen containment efforts.

Intensive monitoring underway in affected areas

Sabarkantha epidemic officer Dampatrika Damor said that intensive surveillance is being carried out in the affected villages after multiple suspected Chandipura virus cases were reported.

The health department is also conducting vector-control measures and monitoring the health of residents in the surrounding areas.

Separate ward set up at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital

Himmatnagar Civil Hospital RMO Dr Vipul Chhani said that a separate ward has been created for suspected Chandipura virus patients. Special treatment arrangements have been made for children admitted with symptoms of the infection.

All suspected cases are being reported to the district health department. Once laboratory reports are received, officials initiate surveillance, insect-control measures and other public health interventions in the affected villages.