Jaipur, July 24 (IANS) The Rajasthan government has intensified surveillance and preventive measures against the Chandipura virus (CHPV) after reported deaths of two children from the state who were undergoing treatment at hospitals in Gujarat.
The Health Department has launched extensive door-to-door surveys, health camps, and screening drives across the affected districts to prevent any further spread of the virus.
The two victims include a 6-year-old girl from Ratanpura village in Dungarpur district and a 2-year-old girl from Sirohi district. Both were receiving treatment at hospitals in Gujarat, where subsequent laboratory tests confirmed Chandipura virus infection.
Following the confirmation of the cases, the Health Department has placed Dungarpur, Sirohi, and Udaipur districts on heightened alert.
Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to monitor the health of children, particularly those below the age of 15 years.
In Ratanpura village of Dungarpur’s Simalwara block, officials organised a health camp at the government school and carried out a door-to-door survey covering 75 households.
Children in the village were medically examined, while awareness campaigns were launched to educate residents about the disease and its symptoms.
Dungarpur Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Alankar Gupta said the survey did not identify any additional suspected Chandipura virus cases.
According to health officials, the six-year-old girl from Dungarpur developed fever on July 12 and was initially treated at private hospitals before being admitted to Himmatnagar Civil Hospital in Gujarat on July 14.
Doctors collected samples after suspecting Chandipura virus infection. She died on July 15, while the laboratory report confirming the infection was received from the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre on July 23.
The delayed confirmation prompted Rajasthan health authorities to strengthen surveillance across vulnerable areas.
The Health Department has expanded door-to-door surveys, school-based health screenings, and monitoring of children showing symptoms of acute encephalitis.
Rapid Response Teams are screening children for warning signs such as high fever, persistent vomiting, seizures or convulsions and altered consciousness or unusual drowsiness.
Officials have urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if children develop any of these symptoms.
Meanwhile, the Animal Husbandry Department has joined the preventive effort by conducting spraying and inspection drives in affected villages, including Ratanpura, to help control insect vectors associated with the virus.
Health officials said three suspected Chandipura virus cases have been reported in Rajasthan so far, including the two confirmed fatalities.
Surveillance will continue in vulnerable areas, with district administrations working closely with medical teams to detect cases early and prevent further transmission.
The state government has appealed to residents to remain alert, maintain hygiene, protect children from insect bites, and report any suspected symptoms without delay as Rajasthan steps up its preparedness against the rare but potentially serious viral infection.
–IANS
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