Gujarat intensifies Chandipura virus response as three child deaths reported in 2026
Gandhinagar, July 13
The Gujarat government has stepped up surveillance, treatment and vector-control measures to contain the Chandipura virus after confirming seven positive cases from 19 laboratory-tested samples and reporting three child deaths linked to the infection this year.
The state government's response was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Health Minister Praful Pansheriya at the Secretariat in Gandhinagar on Monday.
Senior officials reviewed the current situation and directed the health department to strengthen disease surveillance, ensure timely treatment and intensify preventive measures across affected areas.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Pansheriya said laboratory testing was being carried out on a priority basis to ensure early diagnosis.
"Laboratory testing for the accurate diagnosis of the Chandipura virus is progressing rapidly. Of the 27 suspected cases, results for 19 have been received. Seven have tested positive and 12 negative, while the results of the remaining eight samples are expected by this evening," he said.
The minister expressed grief over the deaths of three children who had tested positive for the virus this year and instructed the health department to ensure that no further lives are lost.
"The Health Department, in coordination with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), had issued guidelines to all paediatric specialists in the state and directed them to remain in close coordination with the department's headquarters in Gandhinagar," he said.
Doctors running smaller health centres and private clinics have also been instructed to provide immediate primary care and, without delay, refer suspected Chandipura patients to larger hospitals equipped with oxygen and ventilator facilities.
Pansheriya said preventive measures had been completed at all 61 locations where Chandipura virus cases were reported in Gujarat during 2024.
"Health Department teams have completed medicine spraying and public awareness programmes on a war footing at all 61 locations where Chandipura virus cases were reported last year. Not a single new case has been reported again from any of those locations," he said.
He added that authorities had immediately launched fogging, sandfly-control spraying and sanitisation drives in newly affected areas.
The government has also ensured adequate stocks of medicines and essential medical supplies at health facilities across the state, including primary health centres.
The minister said the Health Department was continuously monitoring the situation under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and had directed officials to further intensify medicine distribution, fogging, and surveillance activities.
He also appealed to parents to seek immediate medical attention if children develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting or unconsciousness.
"If any child develops symptoms such as fever, vomiting or unconsciousness, parents should immediately contact the nearest government health centre," he said.
The review meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rajiv Topno, Urban Health Commissioner Dr Sandhya Bhullar, Rural Health Commissioner Dr Ratankanwar Gadhvi Charan, Director of Public Health Dr Nilam Patel and other senior Health Department officials.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from Ahmedabad, I've seen how quickly vector-borne diseases can spread during monsoons. The minister's appeal to parents about fever and vomiting is important, but many rural families still delay going to hospitals due to cost or lack of awareness. The government should deploy mobile health vans in remote villages of Kutch and Saurashtra where healthcare access is limited. Also, why wasn't this virus contained earlier if they knew about the 61 locations from 2024?
The rapid lab testing is a positive step - testing 19 of 27 samples already is good turnaround. But I'm worried about private clinics being asked to refer patients without treating. In smaller towns, many parents first go to local doctors who may not have proper diagnosis kits. The government should ensure that even small clinics have basic testing strips or quick referral protocols. Also, sandfly control is not easy in urban slums; fogging alone won't help without proper sanitation. Let's hope CM Patel's team keeps the pressure on.
Chandipura virus can be scary because its symptoms mimic regular viral fever initially. The fact that 7 out of 19 tested positive shows the infection is active. But I appreciate that the health minister personally expressed grief over the three deaths - that shows empathy. However, I wish the article mentioned what specific treatment is being given. Parents need to know symptoms like sudden unconsciousness are serious. In South Gujarat, we had similar issues with AES last year; hope the experience helps here.
It's tragic that three children had to die before authorities sprang into action. Why wasn't preventive spraying done before monsoon started in June? The health department should have been on alert from April-May. Also, the article says 'no new cases from old locations' - that's reassuring but doesn't mean the virus is gone. Monsoon floods can spread vectors to new areas. I hope the 'war footing' continues beyond this news cycle. My cousin in Sur
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