Gujarat | Chandipura virus claims 16 lives, 50 cases reported: Health ministry

The Indian state of Gujarat reported 50 cases of Chandipura virus and 16 deaths from the suspected virus, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said.

He highlighted Himmatpur inSabar Kantha District as a concern with 14 cases, 7 of which required hospitalisation. Himmatpur alone has seen 14 cases, 7 requiring hospitalisation.

"The state has reported 50 cases and 16 deaths, with the virus spilling over into other states as 3 cases have been found in patients from outside Gujarat," Patel said.

The minister informed that to ensure public awareness, health officials have circulated information regarding the Chandipura virus to every village and Community Health Center.

"Symptoms of Chandipura virus were found in kids which has caused some scare. Seven cases were sent to Pune for lab testing, out of which only one case of Chandipura virus has been found. Only the Chandipura virus is not responsible for all the symptoms such as swelling and diarrhoea. This can also be due to encephalitis. Important information regarding the virus has been circulated in the entire state," Patel said.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviews situation

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the state's situation regarding the Chandipura virus and assessed the measures taken to control the epidemic.

CM Patel held a meeting with the State Municipal Commissioners, District Collectors, District Development Officers, and Chief District Health Officers via video conferencing to review their district performance.

The Gujarat CM directed the officials to run a campaign of spraying Malathion powder in the districts to prevent the disease. He also asked the officials to ensure immediate and intensive treatment of patients with any kind of fever.

Many districts in Gujarat have reported suspected cases of Chandipura virus infection.

What is Chandipura virus?

Chandipura Vesiculovirus, referred to as Chandipura virus (CHPV)is an RNA virus. The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae. First identified in 1965 in the Chandipura district of Maharashtra, India. This virus is mainly known for causing acute encephalitis, a severe brain inflammation, caused especially in children.

The Chandipura virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and sand flies. The infection spreads when these infected sandflies bite humans, injecting the virus into their bloodstream.

Other likely modes of transmission include contact with bodily fluids from an infected person or animal.

(With inputs from agencies)