25 deaths later, experts clueless on how the Chandipura virus spread

Gujarat has seen 25 deaths from the Chandipura virus in the past five weeks, leaving health experts baffled over the virus' mode of transmission. Despite extensive screening of sandflies, mosquitoes and ticks, no trace of the virus has been found in any known carriers. The virus, which primarily affects children under 15, has caused fatalities in both Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Sandflies, known vectors of the virus, have been found in both eastern and western Gujarat, raising questions about multiple transmission vectors. Current estimates place the number of infected individuals between 39 and 40 in Gujarat, with the Patan district accounting for the majority. Researchers are also investigating the potential role of other arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks and mites, in the transmission cycle.

However, no specific vector has been conclusively identified, and further investigations are ongoing.