Gujarat has recorded 41 laboratory-confirmed Chandipora virus cases and 27 deaths since the start of the current monitoring period on June 30, according to the latest state health department data released on Friday.
As of 5 pm on August 14, a total of 257 suspected cases of Chandipora virus have been reported across the state. Laboratory results were obtained for 246 suspected cases, while reports on 11 samples are still awaited.
Of the samples tested so far, 41 have tested positive for Chandipora virus. The latest numbers indicate a significant increase from earlier in the outbreak.
On July 21, the state reported 63 suspected cases, 12 of which have been confirmed, with results of eight tests pending. Health authorities have intensified surveillance, especially in the affected areas, and have taken measures to control disease vectors around homes and livestock pens.
Chandipora virus is a vector-borne infection associated with acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and mostly affects children.
The virus is transmitted mainly by infected sandflies, and outbreaks tend to occur in parts of central and western India.
The National Center for Disease Control has noted that the virus can cause sudden fever and neurological symptoms, with children under 15 particularly at risk.
Health authorities are conducting surveillance and containment activities in affected areas, including door-to-door inspection and measures to control sand flies.
During the early phase of the current outbreak, officials said surveillance was expanded across affected villages, with insecticide spraying, hygiene campaigns and awareness-raising activities forming part of the response.
The latest outbreak comes two years after Gujarat was among the states worst affected by a large-scale Chandipora outbreak.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipora virus. Sudden fever, vomiting, seizures, altered mental status, and other neurological symptoms can precede rapid deterioration, making early medical evaluation important.
Preventive measures focus on reducing exposure to sand flies through protective clothing, nets and repellents, along with sanitation and vector control measures.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
