New Delhi: In Gujarats Sabarkantha district, four children died from a suspected Chandipura virus infection on Saturday. Two more children are currently undergoing treatment. The Chandipura virus, known to cause fever and flu-like symptoms, can lead to acute encephalitis, a severe inflammation of the brain. This virus belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family and is typically transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies.Medical investigation underwayRaj Sutariya, the Chief District Health Officer of Sabarkantha, stated that blood samples from all six affected children have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for analysis. The results are awaited to confirm the presence of the Chandipura virus.Pediatricians at the Himmatnagar Civil Hospital stated the Chandipura virus when four children died on July 10. The symptoms displayed by the deceased children and the two currently under treatment strongly indicate this virus.Geographical spread of casesThe children who succumbed to the infection were from different regions. One was from Sabarkantha, two were from the neighboring Aravalli district, and one child hailed from Rajasthan. The two children still receiving treatment are also from Rajasthan.Preventive measures takenIn response to this outbreak, district authorities have initiated several preventive measures. Teams have been deployed to affected areas to conduct dusting operations aimed at killing sandflies, which are one of the primary vectors of the Chandipura virus. These efforts are crucial in curbing the spread of the infection and ensuring the safety of the community.We have sent all six samples, including those of the four deceased children, to NIV in Pune, said Sutariya.
