Chandipura virus kills nearly 30 in Gujarat as Mumbai remains on alert

Nearly 30 people have died after contracting Chandipura virus in Gujarat, with cases also reported in Rajasthan, prompting the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to deploy a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to the two states to strengthen the response to the outbreak.

The Chandipura virus, which was first identified in a village of the same name in Maharashtra, has made a deadly comeback after its last major outbreak in 2024. Gujarat has reported the largest number of cases and deaths in the current outbreak, while Rajasthan has also recorded infections.

The Centre's decision to deploy joint response teams comes amid concerns over the virus' rapid progression, particularly among children. The teams are expected to assist state authorities in surveillance, diagnosis, case management and outbreak-control measures.

Maharashtra has so far not reported a single case of Chandipura virus. However, hospitals in Mumbai have gone on alert given the outbreak in neighbouring Gujarat and the large number of patients who travel to Mumbai from other parts of the country for treatment.

Dr Tushar Palave, vice-dean of Cama and Albless Hospital, said the hospital had not yet received specific guidelines from the city or state health departments but had been provided information on the disease, its symptoms and treatment.

“We haven’t received any guidelines yet from the city or state health department. However, all the facts and figures, including symptoms and line of treatment have been shared so that we are well-informed and do not miss any cases,” Palave said.

He said public hospitals needed to remain particularly vigilant because of the diverse patient population they serve.

“For public hospitals, it’s even more necessary to be on alert mode as people from across the country come here for treatment. For us it is even more important as we deal with pregnant women and children on a daily basis,” he said.

Virus can affect brain within hours

Chandipura virus disease is a viral infection primarily transmitted through the bite of infected phlebotomine sandflies. Smaller mosquitoes may also act as vectors. The virus is not considered contagious and does not normally spread directly from one person to another.

The infection is particularly dangerous because it can rapidly progress to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), affecting the brain and potentially causing seizures, altered mental status, loss of consciousness and coma.

Dr Rakesh Joshi, dean of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, said the irregular nature of the outbreak and the absence of a specific treatment or vaccine made early recognition particularly important.

“Since the spread and outbreak is not uniform and regular there is no treatment defined yet like that of other vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. Also, there is no vaccine yet,” Joshi said.

“Since it affects the main part of the body, the brain, in just a few hours, the window to detect and treat it is too small,” he added.

According to doctors, the disease can progress to AES within 24 to 48 hours. The symptoms can initially resemble those of more common infections, making early identification difficult.

Joshi said delayed hospitalisation had been observed in several fatal cases.

“Though the 48-hours window may look like we have two whole days, to catch a not-so-regular virus is difficult, especially when the symptoms are so common for everyday people to understand,” he said.

“In most of the cases where patients have died, we have observed that the child was brought in almost when he/she lost consciousness — a stage from which it’s next to impossible to revive someone in the case of this virus’ attack.”

Children among the most vulnerable

Children between nine months and 15 years are considered the primary at-risk group, with most reported cases emerging from rural areas.

The disease can begin with a sudden high fever, headache, vomiting and flu-like symptoms. As the infection progresses, patients may develop seizures, convulsions, altered mental status, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and coma.

There is currently no specific antiviral medicine or licensed vaccine for Chandipura virus. Treatment therefore focuses on early supportive care and management of complications. Patients with severe disease may require intensive care, treatment for brain swelling and seizure management.

Doctors say the speed at which the infection can affect the brain makes timely medical attention crucial.

Vector control key to prevention

Chandipura virus is associated primarily with phlebotomine sandflies, which can be found in cracks in mud or plaster walls, damp surfaces and areas with poor sanitation. Certain smaller mosquito species can also transmit the virus.

Health experts recommend filling cracks and crevices in mud and plaster walls, maintaining sanitation and proper waste disposal, and using fine-mesh screens on windows and beds.

People living in or travelling to areas affected by the outbreak are also advised to use appropriate sandfly and mosquito repellents, particularly during the monsoon.

Mumbai remains watchful

While Maharashtra has not recorded any cases in the current outbreak, health authorities and hospitals remain cautious because of the state's proximity to Gujarat and the movement of people between the states.

Doctors say any child developing a sudden high fever along with vomiting, unusual drowsiness, seizures, confusion or loss of consciousness during the outbreak period should be taken to an emergency department without delay.

The absence of cases in Maharashtra so far is reassuring, but doctors stress that the rapid progression of Chandipura virus means that recognising neurological symptoms early and providing intensive supportive care can be critical to survival.