Rajasthan steps up surveillance after two girls test positive for Chandipura virus

Chandipura virus is an emerging vector-borne pathogen that primarily affects children aged below 15. It causes fever, flu-like symptoms and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Jaipur: Two girls from Rajasthan died during treatment in Gujarat. Both were confirmed to have the Chandipura virus. Following the two deaths, the Rajasthan Health Department has stepped up surveillance in the affected districts of Dungarpur and Sirohi.As per reports, a 6-year-old girl from Ratanpura village in Dungarpur district was being treated at the Civil Hospital in Himmatnagar, Gujarat, while a 2-year-old girl from Sirohi district was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Banaskantha, Gujarat.Sabarkantha, Gujarat: Chandipura virus cases continue to rise across Gujarat, with Himmatnagar Civil Hospital reporting 15 suspected cases, including five confirmed positiveADMO Sabarkantha, DR. Praveen Damor says, "In Sabarkantha district, at the Civil Hospital in Himmatnagar,… pic.twitter.com/a1cOWLjIl8— IANS (@ians_india) July 23, 2026 Health department issues alertFollowing the test reports from the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, confirming the presence of the Chandipura virus (CHPV) in both the girls, the Health Department of the state issued an alert and started alert-level and special screening of children up to the age of 15 years in the affected areas.Rapid response teams are screening children for symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, seizures, and altered consciousness—symptoms typically associated with conditions like acute encephalitis.Also Watch:Screening efforts intensifiedDr. Alankar Gupta, the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Dungarpur, said, “We surveyed 75 households in Ratanpura village, Simalwara block. We examined the children's health but found no suspected cases of the Chandipura virus.”Ram Temple CEO Appointment Begins, But General Secretary Post Holds Real PowerSo far, three suspected cases of the Chandipura virus have been reported in Rajasthan, including these two fatalities. Health Department officials have intensified the screening of children in Sirohi, Udaipur, and Dungarpur.At the same time, the Animal Husbandry Department is conducting spraying and screening operations in the affected area of Ratanpura.