Chandipura virus kills 22 children in India, special teams deployed in Gujarat-Rajasthan

At least 22 children have died in India from the Chandipura virus, which causes inflammation of the brain. To tackle the situation, the central government has deployed a National Response Team (NRT) comprising experts in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The Ministry of Health in India confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday, August 5.

The Ministry of Health said the NRT, formed with experts, will coordinate with local health authorities to implement necessary measures for disease control, treatment of the infected and public health protection.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the Chandipura virus is generally transmitted during the rainy season through sandflies, mosquitoes and other vector insects. Particularly in children, this virus can cause inflammation of the brain or encephalitis, which can rapidly become serious and life-threatening.

Gujarat has been the worst affected. The state's Health Minister Prafull Pansheria said blood samples of 184 people have been tested so far, of which 35 have been confirmed to have the Chandipura virus.

Meanwhile, two deaths from this virus were reported in Rajasthan last month.

To control the situation, surveillance is being strengthened in affected areas, along with rapid disease detection, mosquito and other vector control, and public awareness campaigns.

Health experts have advised that if children develop symptoms such as fever, convulsions, abnormal behaviour or neurological complications, they should consult a doctor without delay, as this may help reduce complications and the risk of death.