Chandipura virus -- which is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies -- causes fever, with symptoms similar to flu, and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Updated: August 21, 2024 7:07 PM IST By : A total of 28 children under the age of 14 have succumbed to the deadly Chandipura virus in Gujarat since the first case of the lethal pathogen was reported in the state in July this year, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said Wednesday. Patel, while responding to a ‘short notice question’ by AAP MLA Umesh Makwana, informed the state legislative assembly that 164 cases of viral encephalitis, caused by certain pathogens including the Chandipura virus, have been reported in Gujarat so far, with 101 children succumbing to the infection.
Of these 164 cases detected so far, 61 were caused by the Chandipura virus, of which 28 kids have succumbed to the deadly infection, the health minister informed. “So far, 101 children under the age of 14 have died due to acute encephalitis. Of these, 28 have died due to Chandipura virus infection, while 73 succumbed to encephalitis caused by other viral infections,” Patel informed the House.
The minister said the sandfly, which carries the Chandipura virus, lives in the cracks of mud houses that are very common in the hinterland. He informed that 63 children were discharged after treatment, while four were still under medical care, asserting that situation in the state is now under control as no fresh cas.