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According to news agency ANI, several cases of suspected Chandipura virus infection are being reported in Gujarat and four children have died in Sabarkantha district. PTI,
Chandipura virus, first reported in Maharashtra in 1965, emerges in Gujarat every year during the rainy season. It causes fever, flu-like symptoms and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
The virus is spread by infected sand flies and mainly affects children aged 9 months to 14 years.
Pediatricians at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital had suspected the role of Chandipura virus after the death of four children on July 10.
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel on Monday said that Chandipura virus cases have been reported in several places in the state. The minister said there is no need to panic, but people should remain alert.
Patel said nine cases have been reported in four districts of Gujarat and their samples have been sent to the Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) for confirmation.
Their results are awaited.
He said more than 400 houses and 19,000 people have been tested for the virus.
“Cases of Chandipura virus have been reported in many places in the state. There is no need to panic, but we need to be alert. Chandipura is not a new virus. Its first case was reported in Maharashtra in 1965. Cases of this virus are reported every year in Gujarat. The disease is caused by the sting of a vector-transmitted sandfly and it mainly affects children between 9 months and 14 years. It is more prevalent in rural areas. Fever, vomiting, diarrhea and headache are its main symptoms. If these symptoms appear, a doctor should be consulted,” said Rushikesh Patel.
The Health Minister said, “9 cases have been reported in 4 districts in Gujarat. There are three cases of people from other states living in Gujarat… It is too early to say whether the deaths have occurred due to this virus or not… Samples have been sent to Pune… There have been 6 deaths but they have not been confirmed to be due to Chandipura virus… More than 400 houses and 19,000 people have been screened… This disease is not contagious.”
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Published: July 15, 2024, 07:40 PM IST
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