Chandipura Virus Outbreak

Chandipura Virus Outbreak

Update #3 Date- 13/08/2026

Occurrence Update

Gujarat is currently reporting a Chandipura virus outbreak during the 2026 monsoon season, with children below 15 years being predominantly affected. According to the latest available Gujarat Health Department figures reported on 8 August 2026, the state has recorded 217 suspected cases since 30 June 2026, of which 39 were laboratory-confirmed as Chandipura virus infections. Twenty-three deaths have been reported among confirmed patients.

The outbreak has prompted intensified surveillance and a strengthened public-health response. The Centre has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to support investigation, surveillance and outbreak-control activities.

The Gujarat health authorities have strengthened active surveillance, screening and early detection of suspected AES/CHPV cases, along with hospital-based management and public awareness. Vector-control activities are being emphasized to reduce exposure to sandflies. The national response team is supporting the state with epidemiological investigation and surveillance.

Preventive measures include maintaining household cleanliness, reducing vector breeding/resting sites, using bed nets and protective clothing, and seeking immediate medical attention when children develop fever accompanied by vomiting, seizures, altered consciousness or other neurological symptoms.

The current outbreak is concerning because of the rapid progression of severe neurological disease and high mortality among affected children. Early identification, prompt referral, supportive hospital care, vector control and continuous surveillance remain essential to reduce deaths and prevent further transmission.

References

Chandipura Virus Outbreak

Update #2 Date- 04/08/2026

Occurrence Update

Gujarat is currently facing a significant outbreak of Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV), a rare but highly fatal viral infection that primarily affects children. The outbreak has raised serious public health concerns due to the rapid progression of the disease to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and the high mortality observed among infected children. The virus is transmitted mainly through the bite of infected sandflies (Phlebotomus species) and typically occurs during the monsoon season, when vector populations increase.

According to the Gujarat Health Department, 184 suspected cases have been reported across multiple districts of the state. Of these, 35 cases have been laboratory confirmed as Chandipura virus infection, while 11 laboratory test results are still pending. The outbreak has resulted in 22 deaths, with all confirmed patients being children below 15 years of age. Health authorities reported that seven children are currently undergoing treatment in intensive care units (ICUs) with oxygen and ventilator support under the supervision of specialist doctors. Cases have been reported from several districts rather than being concentrated in a single geographical location, making surveillance and outbreak investigation more challenging.

In response to the outbreak, the Government of Gujarat has activated an extensive public health response. Enhanced surveillance and active case finding have been initiated in affected districts to ensure early detection of suspected cases. Health teams are conducting household visits, screening children with fever and neurological symptoms, and collecting samples for laboratory confirmation. Large-scale insecticide spraying has been intensified, particularly in rural and livestock-rearing areas where sandflies are abundant. Communities have been advised to seal cracks in mud walls, improve environmental sanitation, and reduce vector breeding sites. Government and private hospitals have been instructed to immediately admit children with suspected Chandipura virus infection to ICUs equipped with oxygen and ventilator support, even before laboratory confirmation, to improve survival outcomes. Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted to encourage parents to seek immediate medical care if children develop high fever, vomiting, seizures, altered consciousness, or other neurological symptoms.

Although there is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus disease, prompt recognition of symptoms, intensive supportive care, effective vector control, and community awareness remain the cornerstone strategies for reducing morbidity and mortality. The Gujarat Health Department continues to closely monitor the outbreak and has urged the public to cooperate with surveillance teams and follow preventive measures to limit further transmission.

References

Chandipura Virus Outbreak

Update #1 Date- 21/07/2026

Occurrence Update

Gujarat is witnessing a renewed outbreak of Chandipura virus (CHPV), a rare but highly fatal viral disease that primarily affects young children. As of 21 July 2026, the state has reported 12 laboratory-confirmed cases, prompting the Health Department to intensify surveillance, clinical preparedness, and vector-control activities. Earlier in the outbreak, seven confirmed infections and three deaths among children under 10 years of age were reported. The increase in confirmed cases has raised concerns due to the virus's rapid progression and high case fatality among paediatric patients.

About the Disease

Chandipura virus belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family and is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected sandflies (Phlebotomus species). The disease is endemic to parts of central and western India and has been associated with outbreaks of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), particularly during the monsoon season. There is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

Mode of Transmission

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected female sandflies, particularly those belonging to the Phlebotomus species. Sandflies acquire the virus by feeding on infected vertebrate hosts and can subsequently transmit it to humans during blood feeding. The disease predominantly occurs during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, when sandfly populations increase.

Symptoms

The disease mainly affects children below 15 years of age and has a short incubation period. Initial symptoms include:

  • Sudden onset of high fever
  • Severe headache
  • Vomiting
  • Altered consciousness
  • Convulsions or seizures

In severe cases, the infection rapidly progresses to acute encephalitis, coma, and death within 24–48 hours if not managed promptly. There is no specific antiviral treatment, and management is primarily supportive.

Diagnosis

Laboratory diagnosis includes detection of viral RNA by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or throat swab samples during the early phase of illness.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus infection. Treatment is supportive and includes fever management, seizure control, intravenous fluids, respiratory support if needed, and intensive care for severe cases. Early diagnosis and prompt supportive care are essential to improve survival.

Prevention

Preventive measures focus on avoiding sandfly bites, reducing breeding sites, and strengthening public health surveillance. Important prevention steps include:

  • Prevent sandfly bites by using insecticide-treated bed nets, repellents, and wearing long-sleeved clothing.
  • Maintain clean surroundings and eliminate sandfly breeding sites.
  • Strengthen vector surveillance and insecticide spraying in affected areas.
  • Ensure early detection and prompt medical care for children with fever and neurological symptoms.
  • Promote community awareness about the disease and preventive measures.

References

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