Rajasthan steps up surveillance as two deceased girls' reports test positive for Chandipura virus
Rajasthan health authorities have increased surveillance and vector-control measures after two children died from the Chandipura virus. While no new cases have been detected, officials are conducting widespread screenings in affected districts.
Why it matters
The emergence of the Chandipura virus poses a public health risk, necessitating proactive monitoring to prevent potential outbreaks among children.
Rajasthan 's health department has intensified surveillance and stepped up vector-control measures in Dungarpur, Sirohi and adjoining areas after reports confirmed that two girls from the state, who died while undergoing treatment in Gujarat, had tested positive for the Chandipura virus (CHPV).
The deceased include a six-year-old girl from Ratanpura village in Dungarpur district and a two-year-old girl from Sirohi district. They died at hospitals in Gujarat, with their infections confirmed by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, officials said.
Chandipura virus is an emerging vector-borne pathogen that primarily affects children aged below 15. It causes fever, flu-like symptoms and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The virus belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family and is transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies.
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