A health scare has gripped Gujarat after six children tragically succumbed to a suspected viral infection since July 10. While the cause is yet to be confirmed, State Health Minister <keyword id="20006003" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rushikesh-Patel" source="keywords">Rushikesh Patel</keyword> has stated that <keyword id="22416433" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chandipura-virus" source="keywords">Chandipura virus</keyword> is a strong possibility. Twelve cases have been identified across the state, with four reported in Sabarkantha district, three in Aravalli, and one each in Mahisagar and Kheda districts. Notably, two patients from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh also received treatment in Gujarat. Samples from all 12 patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for definitive diagnosis, said Minister Patel. Five of the six deaths occurred at the civil hospital in Himatnagar, Sabarkantha district. It was there that paediatricians first suspected <keyword id="22427587" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="chandipura" source="keywords">Chandipura</keyword> and sent samples from four deceased children for testing. Sadly, four more children at the hospital subsequently developed similar symptoms. However, as the Health Minister emphasised, confirmation of the Chandipura virus can only come after test results are received. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="102646924" title="8 Effective home remedies to stay safe during ongoing flu/viral outbreak in India" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>But what is this Chandipura virus?</h2>Chandipura vesiculovirus or CHPV is a member of the <keyword id="22427586" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rhabdoviridae" source="keywords">Rhabdoviridae</keyword> family that is associated with an encephalitic illness — which manifests as inflammation of the brain — in humans. The Chandipura virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies, causes fever and symptoms similar to the flu. Interestingly, the virus is not considered contagious from person to person and has never been detected in any humans outside India. This mysterious virus was first detected in the blood of two patients from Maharashtra’s Chandipura village back in 1965. Since then, the virus has been linked to various unexplained outbreaks of encephalitis in the country. Recent ones include one in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra in 2003, where 329 children were affected and 183 of them died. Similar cases were observed in children in Gujarat in the following year, in 2004. Given previous trends, the Chandipura virus seems to have a high mortality rate of over 50%. Accordingly, authorities are taking swift action to contain the situation. Intensive surveillance has been undertaken in the affected areas, Minister Patel stated. Over 18,600 people across 4,400 households have been screened for the virus and the Health Department is working tirelessly to prevent further spread of the disease. The state awaits confirmation from the NIV to guide further action. This incident highlights the importance of preventive measures against <keyword id="22242503" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mosquito-borne-illnesses" source="keywords">mosquito-borne illnesses</keyword>, especially during the monsoon season. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111250832" title="Bengaluru on dengue alert: City reports over 1,000 cases in 20 days; BBPM Chief falls prey to disease" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

What is the Chandipura virus that has already claimed the lives of 6 children in Gujarat?

Following a request from the <keyword id="19916474" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gujarat-government" source="keywords">Gujarat government</keyword>, six columns of the <keyword id="19908736" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army" source="keywords">Indian Army</keyword> are conducting <keyword id="20501159" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rescue-operations" source="keywords">rescue operations</keyword> in the worst-affected areas as the <keyword id="21758934" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flood-like-situation" source="keywords">flood-like situation</keyword> continues in parts of the state due to incessant rainfall. The Army has been deployed to support the ongoing <keyword id="20105197" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="relief-efforts" source="keywords">relief efforts</keyword>. "In response to the <keyword id="22167095" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="severe-flooding" source="keywords">severe flooding</keyword> in multiple districts, the Indian Army has swiftly mobilised its resources to support the ongoing relief efforts. Following a request from the Gujarat State Government, six columns of the Indian Army are undertaking rescue operations to the worst-affected areas to provide immediate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)," the Army said in a statement on Thursday. The Gujarat government had requested six columns of Army assistance for urgent relief operations across several districts affected by severe flooding on Tuesday, according to a press release. Earlier, the National Disaster Response Force (<keyword id="19988414" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NDRF" source="keywords">NDRF</keyword>) rescued 95 people. Inspector Manjit of the NDRF said that Dwarka has experienced heavy rainfall over the past two days. "In the last two days, there has been heavy rainfall in Dwarka...water has entered people's homes...our team has rescued 95 people so far," Manjit said on Wednesday. Earlier, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said that more than 5,000 people have been rehabilitated and over 12,000 people rescued as of Wednesday from the floods following the heavy rains that lashed the city of Vadodara. Speaking to ANI, Patel said on Wednesday, "We have rehabilitated more than 5,000 people so far and more than 12,000 people have been rescued. The Vishwamitri River flows through Vadodara, and water has entered both sides...for those people who are trapped there, we have arranged all necessary facilities to provide them with food and medicines." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and assured him of all possible support and assistance from the Central government. "The Prime Minister provided guidance on the protection of citizens's lives and livestock. Also, Gujarat was assured of receiving all necessary support and assistance from the Central Government," CM Patel said in a post in X on August 28. "Hon'ble Prime Minister is constantly monitoring the situation, concerned about Gujarat. He has a deep affection for the people of Gujarat. During natural calamities and whenever needed, he always stands by Gujarat and its people, offering warmth and invaluable guidance," Patel further added. Heavy rainfall continued to lash parts of Gujarat on Wednesday, worsening the flood-like situation in Vadodara.

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What is the Chandipura virus that has already claimed the lives of 6 children in Gujarat?

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