2 of every 3 children confirmed with Chandipura in Gujarat have died; toll at 28

As of Thursday, 28 of the 42 children confirmed to have contracted the Chandipura virus in Gujarat have died, resulting in a case-fatality ratio of 66.7 per cent. This toll surpasses the 22 deaths reported during the last major outbreak in 2024. The current outbreak, which began on June 30, has resulted in a death count equal to the number of children who simultaneously suffered from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV) infection.

Across Gujarat and bordering Rajasthan districts, 324 suspected cases have been reported, with 42 laboratory-confirmed cases of CHPV. Officials acknowledge that this figure may not include undetected or untested cases. In Kutch district, where the first case was reported, eight suspected cases have been identified so far. Of these, seven tested negative, one succumbed to the virus, and three patients remain hospitalized for treatment.

Intensive monitoring and interventions, including house-to-house surveillance and vector control, are being implemented to curb the spread of the virus.