Gujarat records 225 suspected Chandipura cases; death toll rises to 25

Gandhinagar, Aug 10 (IANS) Gujarat has recorded 225 suspected Chandipura virus cases since June 30, with 39 laboratory-confirmed infections and 25 deaths among confirmed patients, according to the latest Health Department figures released on Monday.

The number of suspected cases has risen by 41 from the 184 reported in the state’s previous briefing earlier this month, while the number of confirmed cases has remained at 39.

The number of deaths among Chandipura-positive patients has increased from 22 to 25. Laboratory testing has been completed for 212 of the 225 suspected cases.

Results for the remaining 13 samples are awaited, meaning the confirmed case count could change once those reports are received. The latest figures cover the period from June 30 to August 10.

The outbreak had initially been detected in Panchmahal, where two young children died in early July after developing symptoms associated with Chandipura infection.

The deaths prompted intensified surveillance, testing and vector-control measures in the affected areas. The case numbers subsequently increased across the state.

On July 20, the Health Department had reported 63 suspected cases, with 12 testing positive. At that stage, results for eight samples were still pending.

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya had said the department was closely monitoring affected areas, investigating patients’ travel and case histories and strengthening vector-control measures.

By early August, the state had reported 184 suspected cases, 35 confirmed infections and 22 deaths.

Reports at the time said the confirmed patients were all below 15 years of age and that infections had been reported from different parts of Gujarat rather than being confined to a single village or district.

Chandipura virus is a vector-borne infection that can cause acute encephalitis syndrome, particularly in children.

It is primarily associated with transmission through sandflies and is known to occur more frequently during the monsoon period.

Earlier in the outbreak, the Health Department advised doctors to refer suspected paediatric cases without delay to hospitals equipped with oxygen and ventilator facilities.

Pansheriya had also said laboratory testing was being expedited to ensure timely diagnosis.

With 13 laboratory reports still pending, health authorities are continuing surveillance and testing as the state monitors the outbreak.

–IANS

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