Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel reassured the public on Monday, stating that while there is no need for alarm, caution is essential.
In Gujarat, nine cases of the Chandipura virus have been reported across four districts. This virus causes fever and flu-like symptoms, as well as acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family and is transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies.
Minister Patel emphasized that the Chandipura virus is not new. "The first case was recorded in Maharashtra in 1965, and we see cases in Gujarat every year," he noted.
The disease, primarily affecting children aged 9 months to 14 years, is more prevalent in rural areas. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. The minister advised consulting a doctor if these symptoms appear.
In Gujarat, nine cases have been reported, including three cases from individuals from other states residing in Gujarat. There have been six deaths, although it is not confirmed that these were due to the Chandipura virus.
The health minister highlighted that over 400 houses and 19,000 people have been screened, reassuring that the disease is not contagious.
Earlier, PTI reported that four children had died and two others were receiving treatment in the Sabarkantha district for suspected Chandipura virus infection. The two children were being treated at the civil hospital in Himmatnagar within the district.