The Central government has increased its efforts to control the Chandipura virus outbreak after fresh infections and child deaths were reported in Gujarat and Rajasthan. A specialised team of public health experts has been sent to both states to support local authorities in containing the disease and strengthening surveillance.
At the same time, scientists have launched detailed studies to understand how the virus is spreading and whether any genetic changes could be influencing the current outbreak.
Child Deaths Raise Concern in Gujarat
Gujarat remains the worst-affected state in the ongoing outbreak. Officials have confirmed 35 positive Chandipura virus cases from 184 suspected samples tested during the current monsoon season.
The state has also reported 22 deaths among children below the age of 15, highlighting the serious nature of the infection.
In Rajasthan, health authorities have confirmed three cases from Dungarpur and Sirohi districts. All three children were referred to hospitals in Gujarat for treatment, but two of them could not be saved.
Expert Team to Support States
To strengthen the outbreak response, the Union Health Ministry has deployed the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT).
The team includes specialists from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD).
Their role is to assist state governments in disease surveillance, patient management, laboratory testing, epidemiological investigations, vector monitoring and containment activities. The Health Ministry has also activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) to coordinate the response.
Why Chandipura Virus Is Dangerous
Chandipura virus mainly affects children under 15 years of age and is commonly spread through infected sandflies.
The infection usually starts with high fever but can quickly develop into Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), leading to brain inflammation, seizures and other life-threatening complications. Health experts estimate the disease has a 55% to 75% fatality rate, making early medical attention critical.
Scientists Investigate Virus Spread
Alongside medical response efforts, researchers are trying to understand the source and transmission pattern of the virus.
Active surveillance has increased among patients suffering from acute febrile illness (AFI) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). Community-based surveys are also being carried out to identify possible exposure and infection patterns.
Scientists are examining whether insects other than sandflies, including mosquitoes, ticks and mites, may also play a role in spreading the virus.
Animal Surveillance and Genome Study Underway
Researchers have expanded surveillance beyond human cases by collecting blood and milk samples from livestock. The aim is to determine whether animals are contributing to the virus’s circulation.
Meanwhile, clinical samples are undergoing whole-genome sequencing at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar.
According to the Health Ministry, early findings have shown only minor genetic variations. However, experts say more detailed studies are required before confirming whether the virus has significantly changed from earlier strains.
Health Experts Stress Early Detection
Medical professionals say the biggest challenge with Chandipura virus is the speed at which the illness progresses.
They believe stronger surveillance systems, rapid diagnosis, trained healthcare workers and better public awareness can help identify infections earlier and improve patient outcomes.
Experts have also highlighted the importance of regular vector control, environmental cleanliness and coordinated action between health agencies to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Government Expands Surveillance Network
The Centre has strengthened nationwide monitoring through a network of hospitals that track Acute Encephalitis Syndrome cases across India.
Officials said the response follows a One Health approach by bringing together experts from public health, veterinary science and vector surveillance. The objective is to detect infections quickly, improve outbreak management and ensure that preventive measures reach vulnerable communities before the disease spreads further.