Chandipura Virus Outbreak in Gujarat Claims 28 Lives, Two‑Thirds of Affected Children Die

The Gujarat state health department reported that 28 people have died after being infected with the Chandipura virus, a rare but severe encephalitic illness. Among the confirmed pediatric cases, approximately two‑thirds have not survived, underscoring the virus’s high fatality rate in children.
Health officials have launched an emergency response, setting up isolation wards in district hospitals and dispatching rapid response teams to trace contacts. Samples are being sent to the National Centre for Disease Control for confirmation and genetic analysis.
The department has urged parents to seek immediate medical attention for any child showing fever, vomiting or neurological symptoms, and has started public awareness campaigns through local media and community health workers.
Surveillance has been intensified across affected districts, and the state government is coordinating with the central Ministry of Health to secure antiviral supplies and additional medical staff.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with daily updates expected as more data become available.