Chandipura returns: Gujarat sees fresh child deaths two years after deadly outbreak

Chandipura virus has resurfaced in Gujarat, with three children dying within days. The outbreak has revived concern over a fast-moving infection that can turn fatal in hours, especially in children.

In Short

• A six-year-old from Rajasthan died during treatment in Sabarkantha district
• Two toddlers aged three and four earlier died in Panchmahal district
• Authorities deployed hundreds of teams for surveillance, screening and insecticide dusting

Two years after Gujarat witnessed India's worst Chandipura virus outbreak in over two decades, the deadly infection has resurfaced in the state, raising fresh concerns about a virus that can turn fatal within hours, particularly in children.

The latest outbreak has claimed three young lives in just a few days. According to reports, the latest victim was a six-year-old child from Rajasthan who died while undergoing treatment at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district after testing positive for the Chandipura virus.

Earlier this week, two toddlers aged three and four had died in Panchmahal district, signalling that the outbreak is spreading geographically beyond its initial cluster.

Health authorities have launched an intensive containment drive, deploying hundreds of medical teams for door-to-door surveillance, insecticide dusting and screening in affected areas.

Officials have also urged parents to seek immediate medical care if children develop sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or convulsions, as the disease can progress with alarming speed.

A RARE KILLER

Although Chandipura virus is relatively unknown compared to dengue or chikungunya, public health experts consider it one of India's most dangerous vector-borne viral infections because of its high fatality rate and rapid progression.

The virus, officially known as Chandipura vesiculovirus, belongs to the same Rhabdoviridae family as the rabies virus.

It was first identified in 1965 in Maharashtra's Chandipura village, from which it derives its name. Since then, outbreaks have largely been confined to western, central and southern India, particularly Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies, although studies have also found evidence suggesting ticks and mosquitoes may play a role in transmission. U

Unlike respiratory viruses, Chandipura virus does not spread from person to person through coughing, touching or casual contact.

India's biggest recent outbreak occurred in 2024, when Gujarat reported widespread cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), a condition characterised by inflammation of the brain.

Laboratory testing confirmed Chandipura virus in a significant number of patients, making it the country's largest outbreak in more than two decades. The virus has historically been associated with fatality rates ranging from 55 to 85 per cent in confirmed cases, although outcomes depend on early diagnosis and supportive treatment.

Children are particularly vulnerable because the virus attacks the central nervous system with extraordinary speed.

"Chandipura virus is a rare but highly aggressive viral infection that primarily affects children and is transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies," said Dr Sumit Jain, internal medicine specialist with Paras Health in Panchkula.

He explained that the illness often begins with high fever, headache, vomiting and weakness but "can progress rapidly to encephalitis (brain inflammation), leading to seizures, altered consciousness and severe neurological complications."

Because the disease can worsen within a very short period, "early recognition of symptoms and immediate medical intervention are crucial."

Dr Sunil Rana, internal medicine doctor at Asian Hospital in Faridabad, said the virus can become life-threatening within 24 to 48 hours after symptoms begin.

"It is alarming as the disease tends to progress rapidly with children developing severe neurological manifestations within a short period of time after the onset of fever," he pointed out.

Warning signs include high fever, vomiting, headache, seizures, altered consciousness and extreme drowsiness.

NO VACCINE YET

One of the biggest challenges in combating Chandipura virus is the absence of a specific antiviral treatment or vaccine.

Patients receive supportive care aimed at controlling fever, seizures and brain swelling while maintaining vital functions. Experts say early hospitalisation significantly improves the chances of survival, even though the disease remains highly aggressive.

The good news is that children who recover generally do so quickly and usually do not suffer long-term neurological damage, according to experts cited in previous studies of the disease.

With no vaccine available, prevention remains the strongest defence.

"Since there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for Chandipura virus infection, prevention remains the most effective strategy," said Dr Jain.

He advised communities to reduce exposure to insect vectors by maintaining cleanliness around homes, preventing stagnant water accumulation, using insect repellents, mosquito nets and protective clothing, particularly for children.

He also stressed that public awareness, prompt reporting of suspected cases and strengthened vector-control measures are essential to limiting outbreaks.

"Most importantly, any child who develops a sudden fever with neurological symptoms should be brought immediately to a health care facility, as early supportive care can improve outcomes," Dr Rana underlined.

With monsoon conditions favouring the breeding of sandflies and other insect vectors, public health experts warned that vigilance is essential.

- Ends