Gujarat has recorded 22 deaths among children linked to the Chandipura virus, with 35 confirmed positive cases out of 184 suspected infections reported so far, state Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said on 3 August. The state health department is maintaining active surveillance and treatment across multiple districts as the outbreak continues to spread from different parts of the state.

Current Case Count and Status

Of the 184 suspected cases reported to date, 35 have tested positive for Chandipura virus, while test results for 11 samples remain awaited, according to Pansheriya. Seven patients who have tested positive are currently undergoing treatment at civil hospitals across the state, while six patients have recovered and been discharged.

Children admitted to civil hospitals in Gandhinagar, Himmatnagar in Sabarkantha district, Patan, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar are receiving specialised care under continuous medical monitoring.

Geographic Spread and Ground Response

Pansheriya noted that infections have not been confined to a single village or locality, but have emerged from different parts of Gujarat, prompting health department teams to remain active across districts. This scattered pattern complicates containment and suggests the virus vector — the sandfly — may be widespread in rural and semi-rural habitats.

As a preventive measure, residents have been advised to seal cracks in mud houses and walls. Intensive insecticide spraying is under way in livestock-rearing areas, where sandflies are known to breed.

Hospital Preparedness and Treatment Protocol

All government and private paediatric hospitals have been instructed to immediately admit children showing symptoms to intensive care units equipped with oxygen and ventilator support. The directive aims to prevent serious complications, including multiple organ failure, by ensuring treatment begins without delay.

'There is currently no specific vaccine or medicine available against the Chandipura virus,' Pansheriya said, adding that a dedicated team of doctors and researchers is conducting scientific research to develop an effective vaccine and treatment protocol.

What Parents Should Watch For

The health department has been on full preparedness since Chandipura virus symptoms were detected among children below the age of 15. Parents have been urged to seek immediate medical care at the nearest government district hospital if children develop fever, vomiting, convulsions, or any other serious symptoms.

Pansheriya also appealed to the public to avoid rumours and cooperate with health department teams on the ground. Under the supervision of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, officials said the situation is being closely monitored and necessary precautionary measures are being implemented statewide. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the outbreak is being brought under control or widening further.