Chandipura Virus: 2-Year-Old Rajasthan Girl Dies in Gujarat As State Reports 12 Cases, 8 Deaths

A two-year-old girl from Rajasthan died while undergoing treatment for Chandipura virus infection at a hospital in Gujarat's Banaskantha district, as the state reported 12 confirmed cases and eight deaths linked to the virus so far this year, health officials said on Tuesday, July 21.

The child, a resident of Rajasthan's Sirohi district, was admitted to the Banas Medical College and Research Institute in critical condition on July 13. She tested positive for the Chandipura virus the following day, received treatment in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for six days and died on July 19, according to hospital authorities. Is Andhra Pradesh Seeing a New COVID-19 Wave?

Rajasthan Child Succumbs During Treatment

Dr Sunil Joshi, Medical Superintendent of the Banas Medical College and Research Institute, said the girl was brought to the hospital in a critical condition. He said she tested positive for Chandipura virus on July 14, was admitted to the PICU and remained under treatment until her death on July 19.

Gujarat Reports 12 Confirmed Cases, 8 Deaths

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said: "So far, a total of 63 suspected cases of Chandipura virus have been reported in the state. Out of these, 12 patients have tested positive. These include 9 cases from Gujarat and 3 cases from Rajasthan." Congo Ebola Outbreak Kills 930, No Approved Vaccine as Crisis Escalates.

He added that eight patients have died so far. The Gujarat government also confirmed that laboratory results had been received for 55 of the 63 suspected cases, while reports for the remaining eight samples were awaited.

Review Meeting Held to Strengthen Surveillance

A review meeting chaired by Pansheriya on Monday assessed the geographical spread of infections, laboratory testing, possible sources of transmission and the response by district administrations.

According to an official release, among the confirmed cases:

• Two cases each were reported from Panchmahal and Kheda districts.
• One case each was reported from Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Bharuch, Bhavnagar and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation area.

The minister directed officials to maintain intensive surveillance in affected areas and investigate patients' travel history and case history to identify possible sources of infection.

Preventive Measures Intensified

The government said extensive health screening has been carried out in thousands of households, including both kutcha and pucca homes, in affected areas.

Dusting operations are also being conducted around kutcha houses and cattle sheds to control sandflies and other insects considered carriers of the virus.

Authorities have also ensured the availability of paediatric ICU beds, ventilators and essential medicines at civil hospitals and super-speciality hospitals across district headquarters.

Symptoms and Public Advisory

According to Dr Joshi, Chandipura virus infection can lead to encephalitis, or inflammation of brain tissue.

Common symptoms include:

• High fever
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of consciousness
• Organ failure in severe cases

Pansheriya said the virus is generally more active during the monsoon season through September.

The government has advised parents to immediately seek medical attention if a child develops sudden high fever, seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea or loss of consciousness.

While urging people not to panic, the minister said the administration remains fully alert and continues to strengthen surveillance and preventive measures across affected areas.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2026 09:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).