3-Year-Old Dies in Himatnagar Amid Chandipura Virus Outbreak; Gujarat Records 7 Deaths, 6 Under Treatment

Last night, a child died at the Civil Hospital in Himatnagar amidst fears of the Chandipura virus outbreak. At present, two children are under treatment and are stable.

Death Toll Due to Chandipura Virus in Himatnagar Rises to 6

Himatnagar Civil Hospital’s Associate RMO, Dr. Vipul, reported over the phone that since June 27, eight cases of the Chandipura virus have been reported from Rajasthan, Aravalli, and Sabarkantha districts. Among these, 6 children have succumbed to the disease. Currently, two children are under treatment and are stable.

Child Admitted on July 13

A 3-year-old child from Meghraj Taluka’s Dhekwa village in Aravalli district was admitted on July 13, in critical condition, requiring ventilator support. The child passed away during the night of Monday.

Current Status of 6 Patients Under Treatment

As of now, Himatnagar has reported 12 suspected cases of the Chandipura virus. Of these, 6 patients are currently receiving treatment. Sabarkantha district has 4 cases, Aravalli has 3, and one case each has been reported from Mahisagar, Kheda, Rajasthan (2 patients), and Madhya Pradesh (1 patient), all of whom are undergoing treatment in Gujarat. A total of 12 suspected cases have been sent for testing at Pune lab, with results expected within 12 to 15 days.

Cases Recorded from 2 to 9 Years Old

The first case in Himatnagar Civil Hospital was recorded on June 27, 2024, involving a 4-year-old child from Udaipur district’s Kherwara Taluka. Subsequent cases include a 6-year-old girl from Bhiloda Taluka in Aravalli district on July 5, and a 5-year-old boy from Kodariya village in Sabarkantha district on July 9. Within 17 days, four deaths were reported. Following these, a 4-year-old girl from Akwada village in Udaipur district on July 8 and a 9-year-old girl from Pipaliya village in Himatnagar Taluka on July 9 underwent treatment. On July 13, a 3-year-old child from Dhekwa village, admitted on July 15, died on Monday night.

What is Chandipura Virus? 

Chandipura virus is a dangerous virus that directly attacks the brain of children, causing swelling in their brains. Initially, flu-like symptoms are observed, but as it progresses, children may slip into a coma. The virus is named after a village, a small village in Maharashtra. Cases of children falling ill due to this virus were first reported in 1965. Typically, this virus targets young children up to the age of 14.

Causes of Chandipura Virus Spread 

This virus spreads primarily through mosquitoes and particularly affects sand fly mosquitoes. Sand flies are a type of insect found in sandy and bushy areas, and their population increases significantly during the rainy season, leading to the spread of the virus known as Chandipura.

The Importance of Keeping Both Raw and Cooked Houses Clean 

Sand flies are found in the cracks of houses, so it is very important to keep both raw and cooked houses clean. It is also important for children to wear full clothes and use mosquito repellent at night. Since there is no vaccine available for Chandipura, it is very important to keep precautions.

Diseases caused by the Small Sand Fly from Chandipura Virus 

The spread of Chandipura virus is due to sand flies. This fly is smaller than ordinary flies, but it is visible at home. Another special feature of this fly is that after bringing it from the jungle to the house, it goes 5 feet away. This fly appears more in the area of ​​raw houses. Therefore, to destroy the infection of sand flies, more powder should be applied to the wall of the wall.

Symptoms of Chandipura Virus 

Suddenly fever and headache. Get sick. Unconsciousness due to weakness. Precautions to Avoid Chandipura Virus The symptoms of this virus are encephalitis (brain fever). If any of these symptoms are seen in anyone, contact the doctor immediately. The virus spreads from mosquitoes and flies, so keep cleanliness at home and outside, so that mosquitoes or flies do not spread in the house.