Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya announced that 35 patients have tested positive for the Chandipura virus out of 184 individuals, including suspected cases, who underwent blood tests. Speaking on Monday, the minister confirmed that 22 patients have died, while seven remain in intensive care units receiving ventilator and oxygen support under supervision of super-specialist doctors.
The state health department has intensified surveillance and testing efforts across affected areas to identify and isolate suspected cases. “In Gujarat, we conducted blood tests on 184 patients, including suspected cases. Of these, 35 tested positive for the Chandipura virus. Currently, seven patients are being treated in the ICU with ventilators and oxygen, under the supervision of super-specialist doctors. Sadly, 22 patients have died so far, and we express our condolences,” Pansheriya stated.
He added that the health teams are reaching as many villages as possible. “Super-specialist doctors and our health team conduct tests in all areas where patients are found and also test others and family members. However, no other patient has been found in the same area yet. Therefore, finding and researching the case has become very difficult. A sandfly, an insect or fly, is found everywhere. Chandipura virus disease is caused by its bite,” he explained.
Further, the minister said that discussions have taken place with doctors from Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and civil hospitals across Gujarat regarding patient management and treatment protocols. Pansheriya noted that there is currently no specific medicine or definitive cure for the Chandipura virus, with treatment being symptomatic. “Today, our team in Gandhinagar is in discussions with doctors at all PHCs, CHCs, and civil hospitals across Gujarat regarding treatment, and we hope that not a single patient will die in the hospital right now. Our team and our doctors are working tirelessly. There is no definitive cure. There is no medicine, and no treatment. Doctors are treating it based on symptoms,” he affirmed.
The minister also appealed to citizens to remain cautious and avoid rumours. He urged immediate repair of cracks in mud or clay walls and advised that children presenting with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, convulsions, or other serious signs should promptly contact the nearest government district hospital. Additionally, he requested public cooperation with health department teams and urged disregard for misinformation.
The state government’s health system remains fully prepared and active in responding to symptoms of the Chandipura virus in children under 15 years of age throughout Gujarat. Under the direct guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the health department continues to monitor the situation and implement necessary precautionary measures across the state.
According to the World Health Organization, Chandipura virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and causes sporadic cases and outbreaks of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in western, central and southern India, particularly during the monsoon season. The virus is transmitted by vectors including sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks, with Phlebotomus papatasi sandflies reported as the vector of the Chandipura virus disease in Gujarat.