Centre Deploys Expert Team as Chandipura Virus Cases Rise in Gujarat

The Chandipura virus outbreak has prompted the Central government to deploy a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan, where cases have increased in recent weeks.

The multidisciplinary team has been tasked with strengthening surveillance, investigating the outbreak, and recommending evidence-based measures to contain the spread of the virus.

The move comes after Gujarat reported 22 deaths linked to the outbreak, while Rajasthan has also recorded fatalities.

Health authorities are intensifying efforts to better understand the virus, which primarily affects children and can rapidly progress to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), a severe neurological condition.

National Response Team to Strengthen Outbreak Investigation

According to the Union Health Ministry, the NJORT comprises experts from multiple disciplines who will work alongside state health departments. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Investigating transmission patterns of the Chandipura virus.
• Studying insect vectors responsible for spreading the disease.
• Identifying possible animal reservoirs.
• Monitoring the virus for genetic changes.
• Strengthening disease surveillance and laboratory diagnostics.
• Recommending scientific public health interventions.

The response follows the "One Health" approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to better understand and manage infectious disease outbreaks.

Gujarat Remains the Worst-Hit State

Health officials have reported 35 confirmed Chandipura virus infections out of 184 suspected cases, with all confirmed cases involving children under the age of 15. Gujarat has recorded 22 deaths, while Rajasthan has also reported two fatalities linked to the outbreak. Investigations are ongoing to determine the final cause of death in several suspected cases.

The central team will review the preparedness of both states, assess on-ground containment measures, and submit recommendations to the Health Ministry after completing its field assessment.

Also Read: Gujarat Sounds Alarm After 12 Chandipura Virus Cases Surface

Understanding the Chandipura Virus

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a sandfly- and mosquito-borne virus known to cause Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, particularly in young children. The infection often begins with fever, headache, and vomiting but can quickly progress to seizures, altered consciousness, and severe neurological complications.

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus. Treatment focuses on supportive medical care, making early diagnosis and prevention crucial. Experts advise reducing exposure to insect bites through repellents, protective clothing, and maintaining clean surroundings to limit breeding of vectors. Human-to-human transmission has not been established.

Key Highlights

• Centre deploys National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT).
• Gujarat and Rajasthan are witnessing a rise in Chandipura virus cases.
• Gujarat has reported 22 deaths, while Rajasthan has recorded two fatalities.
• Experts will investigate transmission, vectors, animal reservoirs, and viral evolution.
• Surveillance, diagnostics, and evidence-based public health measures will be strengthened under the One Health approach.