22 children die of Chandipura virus in Gujarat this monsoon
The Chandipura virus has caused 22 deaths among children in Gujarat during the current monsoon season. Health officials are implementing vector control measures and instructing hospitals to prioritize intensive care for symptomatic patients.
Why it matters
The outbreak highlights a critical public health challenge involving a viral disease that disproportionately affects children, requiring urgent medical intervention.
Twenty-two children have died due to Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection in Gujarat this monsoon season, with seven others currently undergoing treatment, State Health Minister Praful Panseriya said on Monday (August 3, 2026).
The State has reported 184 suspected cases of the virus so far, of which 35 have tested positive, while the results of 11 samples are awaited, the Minister said. All the affected patients are below 15 years of age.
Children admitted to civil hospitals in Gandhinagar, Himmatnagar, Patan, Rajkot and Bhavnagar are receiving specialised treatment, he said, adding that doctors are closely monitoring their condition.
Mr. Panseriya said the cases have been reported from different parts of the State and are not concentrated in any particular village.
To contain the spread of the virus, health teams are carrying out pesticide spraying in areas with animal husbandry activity to control sandflies, which transmit the virus.
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