The Rajasthan government has intensified surveillance across southern districts after two children from the state died of confirmed Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection, both while receiving treatment at hospitals in Gujarat. The deaths, reported on 24 July, have placed Dungarpur, Sirohi, and Udaipur districts on heightened alert, with Rapid Response Teams deployed and door-to-door surveys under way.

The Two Confirmed Fatalities

The victims are a 6-year-old girl from Ratanpura village in Dungarpur district and a 2-year-old girl from Sirohi district. According to health officials, the Dungarpur child developed fever on 12 July and was initially treated at private hospitals before being admitted to Himmatnagar Civil Hospital in Gujarat on 14 July. She died on 15 July, while laboratory confirmation of Chandipura virus infection arrived from the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre only on 23 July — a gap of eight days that delayed the activation of surveillance protocols in Rajasthan.

Ground Response: Surveys, Health Camps, and Spraying Drives

In Ratanpura village of Dungarpur's Simalwara block, officials organised a health camp at the local government school and conducted a door-to-door survey covering 75 households. Children were medically examined and residents were briefed on the disease's symptoms and transmission pathways.

Dungarpur Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Alankar Gupta confirmed that the survey did not identify any additional suspected Chandipura virus cases in the village. Rapid Response Teams are screening children — particularly those below the age of 15 — for warning signs including high fever, persistent vomiting, seizures or convulsions, and altered consciousness or unusual drowsiness.

The Animal Husbandry Department has also joined the response, conducting insecticide spraying and inspection drives in affected villages, including Ratanpura, to control the insect vectors associated with CHPV transmission.

What Is Chandipura Virus and Why It Is Dangerous

Chandipura virus is a rare but potentially fatal arboviral infection — spread through insect bites, particularly sandflies — that primarily affects children and can rapidly progress to acute encephalitis. Outbreaks have historically been concentrated in tribal and forested belts of central and western India. The virus was first identified in Chandipura village in Maharashtra in 1965 and has since been linked to sporadic but lethal clusters, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The current cases mark a renewed concern given the monsoon season, which typically amplifies insect vector activity.

State Advisory and What Comes Next

Health officials have urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if children develop any of the identified warning symptoms. The state government has appealed to residents to maintain hygiene, protect children from insect bites, and report suspected cases without delay.

According to health officials, three suspected Chandipura virus cases have been reported in Rajasthan so far, including the two confirmed fatalities. Surveillance will continue across vulnerable areas, with district administrations working closely with medical teams to detect cases early and prevent further transmission. The Health Department has expanded its response to include school-based health screenings and monitoring of children showing symptoms of acute encephalitis across all three alert districts.