AHMEDABAD: Fresh concerns have emerged over the spread of the Chandipura virus in Gujarat after a six-year-old child from Rajasthan died while undergoing treatment at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital in Sabarkantha district.
According to hospital officials, the child was admitted four days ago after his condition deteriorated rapidly. Doctors began treatment immediately and sent samples for laboratory testing. After the infection was confirmed, the hospital and district health authorities intensified surveillance and precautionary measures.
The latest death comes amid a rise in suspected Chandipura virus cases at the hospital. Five suspected cases have been reported at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital in the current phase of the outbreak. Two children tested negative and were discharged, while the test results of two other patients are awaited.
Hospital records show that seven suspected Chandipura virus patients were admitted between June 26 and July 9. Three children have died during this period, raising fresh concerns over the viral disease, which primarily affects young children.
Himmatnagar Civil Hospital Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Vipul Jani said the hospital has handled seven suspected cases since June 26.
"A total of seven patients suspected of Chandipura virus were admitted to Himmatnagar Civil Hospital from June 26 till now. Three of them have died. One of the deceased children was from Rajasthan. In another case, the laboratory report was negative, but the patient died. One patient's report is still pending, and that child has also died. Four other patients were admitted, but one left the hospital against medical advice. The laboratory reports of two patients are still awaited," Jani said.
The latest fatality comes days after suspected Chandipura virus cases were reported from Vinjol and Sardarpura villages in Godhra taluka of Panchmahal district, where two children aged three and four died.
Health officials had identified four suspected cases in Godhra, though laboratory reports later ruled out Chandipura virus infection in two children. Despite the negative results, the deaths prompted intensified surveillance, vector-control measures and active monitoring by the health department.
With fresh fatalities reported from Sabarkantha and recent child deaths in Panchmahal, Gujarat's health authorities remain on alert as they await pending laboratory reports to determine the extent of the latest outbreak.