Chandipura virus cases rise in Gujarat; 39 test positive, toll reaches 23

Gandhinagar: Fear over Chandipura virus has intensified in Gujarat, with 217 suspected cases reported between June 30 and August 8, according to the state health department. Of the cases, 39 have tested positive and 23 people have died.

The health department said 208 of the 217 samples have been tested, while reports of nine samples are awaited. Officials attributed the rise in reported cases partly to intensified surveillance and testing across the state.

The outbreak came to attention after two children died in villages of Godhra taluk in Panchmahal district. By July 14, Gujarat had reported 27 suspected cases, including seven confirmed infections and three deaths.

Chandipura virus is primarily transmitted through sand flies and can cause acute encephalitis, particularly among children. The infection can progress rapidly, making early detection and timely medical care crucial.

The latest figures show a rise compared with the beginning of August. Suspected cases have increased from 184 to 217, while confirmed cases have risen from 35 to 39. The death toll has also climbed from 22 to 23.