- By Nidhi Giri
- Wed, 29 Jul 2026 03:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Gujarat confirms 26 Chandipura virus cases, 10 deaths reported.
- State health department on high alert; 150 suspected cases.
- Virus spreads via sandflies; immediate medical attention crucial.
The Chandipura virus outbreak is spreading rapidly in Gujarat, prompting the state health department to go on high alert. According to data shared by the state health department, a total of 150 suspected cases have been reported across the state so far. Samples from all these cases are undergoing detailed analysis at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC).
Status Of Cases And Mortality
Neelam Patel, Additional Director of the Health Department, provided detailed information regarding the current situation of the Chandipura virus in the state. Testing has confirmed 26 positive cases so far. Of these, three patients have fully recovered and been discharged from the hospital. However, the virus is proving to be highly lethal, with 10 deaths reported to date. The deceased include three patients from Rajasthan who had come to the state for treatment. Reports for nine samples are still awaited, and the department is closely monitoring the situation.
How Does The Virus Spread?
The Chandipura virus primarily spreads through the bite of an infected sandfly. Some studies suggest that mosquitoes and ticks can also act as vectors for the virus. The risk of infection increases significantly during the monsoon season due to the heightened breeding of these insects. On a positive note, the virus is not contagious; it does not spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or physical contact.
Symptoms And Precautions
Symptoms of the virus appear very rapidly, and a patient's condition can become critical within just 24 hours. Its main symptoms are as follows:
-Sudden onset of high fever
-Persistent headache and vomiting
-Extreme bodily weakness and muscle pain
-Seizures
-Loss of consciousness or mental confusion
-Unusual lethargy or drowsiness in children
The Health Department has appealed to the public to contact the nearest hospital immediately without delay if any of these symptoms appear in children. Timely treatment is the most effective protection against this virus.