The Gujarat government has heightened surveillance and containment efforts following the confirmation of two children’s deaths in Godhra taluka of Panchmahal district due to the Chandipura virus. Health authorities are conducting door-to-door surveys and deploying specialized medical teams in the affected areas. State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya termed the incident in Vinzol and Jitpura villages as tragic and emphasized the Health Department’s serious approach.
Investigations in the affected villages revealed the presence of sand flies, known for transmitting the Chandipura virus, as mentioned by the minister after a review meeting in Gandhinagar. Intensive insecticide spraying has commenced in nearby homes and the affected villages due to the common occurrence of these insects in mud house cracks. The state government, under the Chief Minister’s guidance, has swiftly implemented necessary measures in response to the confirmed deaths.
Specialized medical teams from Godhra Medical College and Vadodara Medical College have been dispatched to the affected villages, with health teams conducting thorough house-to-house surveys and medical screenings in Godhra taluka. Precautionary surveys have been completed in all districts and villages where Chandipura virus cases were reported in 2024, with essential medicines and insecticidal powder supplied to health centers. Parents are urged to stay vigilant and seek immediate medical help if children exhibit symptoms like fever, vomiting, convulsions, or unconsciousness.
The minister reassured the public that no cases of Chandipura virus have been reported beyond the two affected villages. He emphasized the importance of simple precautions to prevent disease spread, including sealing mud house cracks, maintaining cleanliness, and protecting children from mosquito or fly bites. A review meeting in Gandhinagar was attended by Rural Health Commissioner Ratankunvar Gadhvi Charan, Dr Neelam Patel, and other senior Health Department officials.
