31.7 C
Guwahati
Tuesday, July 1, 2025

28 children died of Chandipura virus since July in Gujarat: State health minister

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

GANDHINAGAR, Aug 21: Chandipura virus has claimed the lives of 28 children under the age of 14 in Gujarat since the first case was reported in July, the state legislative assembly was informed on Wednesday.

Responding to a ‘short notice question’ by AAP MLA Umesh Makwana, health minister Rushikesh Patel told the House that Gujarat has so far reported 164 cases of viral encephalitis, caused by certain pathogens including the Chandipura virus, with 101 children succumbing to the infection.

- Advertisement -

Of these 164 cases detected so far, 61 were caused by the Chandipura virus, he said.

Chandipura virus causes fever, with symptoms similar to flu, and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies.

He said the sandfly, which carries the Chandipura virus, lives in the cracks of mud houses that are very common in the hinterland.

“So far, 101 children under the age of 14 have died due to acute encephalitis. Of these, 28 have died due to Chandipura virus infection, while 73 succumbed to encephalitis caused by other viral infections,” said Patel.

- Advertisement -

The minister said 63 children were discharged after treatment, while four were still under medical care.

The situation is under control, he said and stressed that no new case has been reported in the past week and no death has been reported for the last 12 days.

According to the minister, the government has launched a drive across the state for vector control and containment of the Chandipura virus.

Under this drive, health teams surveyed over 53,000 houses in areas from where viral encephalitis and Chandipura cases had emerged.

- Advertisement -

Malathion powder, a pesticide, has been sprinkled in over 7 lakh mud houses in villages for disease control, he said, adding that liquid pesticide was also sprayed in nearly 1.58 lakh houses.

Since children are more vulnerable to this virus, Malathion powder and liquid pesticide were also sprayed in nearly 40,000 schools and over 36,000 Anganwadis in affected districts.

Patel said that the Gandhinagar-based Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) is conducting a research to find out the virus other than Chindipura that caused encephalitis and claimed children’s lives. (PTI)

- Advertisement -
The Hills Timeshttps://thehillstimes.in/
Welcome to The Hills Times, your trusted source for daily news and updates in English from the heart of Assam, India. Since our establishment in 2000, we've been dedicated to providing timely and accurate information to our readers in Diphu and Guwahati. As the first English newspaper in the then undemarcated Karbi Anglong district, we've forged a strong connection with diverse communities and age groups, earning a reputation for being a reliable source of news and insights. In addition to our print edition, we keep pace with the digital age through our website, https://thehillstimes.in, where we diligently update our readers with the latest happenings day by day. Whether it's local events, regional developments, or global news, The Hills Times strives to keep you informed with dedication and integrity. Join us in staying ahead of the curve and exploring the world through our lens.
Latest news
- Advertisement -
Related news
- Advertisement -
Stunning And Rare Yellow Animals From Around The World Top 10 Places In India With The Highest Rainfall 10 Places In India That Feel Like You’ve Left The Country Top 8 Monsoon Gateway In South India India’s Top 10 Eco Tourism Spots Rich In Wildlife