Chandipura virus outbreak: Centre deploys national response team to Gujarat and Rajasthan

Chandipura Virus Outbreak: National Team Deployed to Gujarat and Rajasthan

Theindiapostdaily.com – New Delhi: The Union health ministry has deployed a multidisciplinary national joint outbreak response team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to assist state authorities in managing the ongoing Chandipura virus outbreak, the government announced on Wednesday. This strategic deployment comes as health officials work to contain the spread of the viral encephalitis affecting children across both states.

State health authorities in Gujarat have reported 35 confirmed positive cases out of 184 suspected patients tested, alongside 22 deaths among children under 15 during the current monsoon season. Rajasthan health authorities and media reports have confirmed three positive Chandipura virus cases from border districts Dungarpur and Sirohi. All three infected children were referred to Gujarat for emergency treatment, where two succumbed to the infection.

Understanding the Chandipura Virus Threat

CHPV is a high-fatality vector-borne pathogen primarily transmitted by infected sandflies, which almost exclusively targets children under 15 years. It presents with sudden high fever and rapidly escalates to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) with brain swelling and seizures, carrying a 55% to 75% case fatality rate. The severity of this Chandipura virus outbreak has prompted immediate action from national health agencies.

The NJORT comprises experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD). It will supplement state efforts in outbreak investigation, epidemiological assessment, clinical management, laboratory coordination, vector surveillance, and containment measures. The NCDC Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) has also been activated to support field activities.

The deployment coincides with one of the most comprehensive scientific investigations into Chandipura virus in recent years, drawing specialists from the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Active surveillance has been intensified among patients presenting with acute febrile illness (AFI) and acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), alongside community-based serosurveys.

Dr Aashish Chaudhry, managing director at Aakash Healthcare, said, “The deployment of a response team is a timely and welcome step, but the long-term solution lies in strengthening surveillance and prevention at the community level. AES, including infections caused by Chandipura virus, progresses rapidly, leaving a narrow window for intervention. We need robust early warning systems, syndromic surveillance, rapid diagnostic capabilities, trained frontline healthcare workers, and community awareness to identify symptoms before they become life-threatening.”

“Equally important are sustained vector control measures, environmental sanitation, and coordinated public health action. Preventing outbreaks is always more effective than responding after lives are at risk,” he added.

Scientific Investigation and Source Identification

Searching for source continues as unravelling the virus transmission cycle remains a primary focus. While sandflies are established vectors, scientists are examining whether other arthropods—including mosquitoes, ticks, and mites—also play a role. Animal surveillance has also been expanded, with blood and milk samples collected from livestock to check for viral circulation.

Addressing the vector study, the health ministry said, “It is premature to identify the vector responsible for the current outbreak until scientific investigations are completed.” Researchers are also probing whether the virus has undergone genetic changes. Whole-genome sequencing of clinical samples is currently underway at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Gandhinagar.

“Preliminary analysis has identified minor genetic variations, but experts say detailed comparative genomic studies are required before determining whether the currently circulating virus has evolved from strains associated with previous outbreaks,” the health ministry said. The multi-agency probe builds on findings from last year’s outbreak, documented in a recently published research paper titled ‘Investigations into the Outbreak of Chandipura Virus Encephalitis, Gujarat, India, 2024′.

Nationwide surveillance is further supported by the hospital-based AES surveillance network across 15 tertiary hospitals, reflecting a broader ‘One Health’ strategy integrating human, animal and vector monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Outbreak

What are the main symptoms of Chandipura virus infection? The primary symptoms include sudden high fever, brain swelling, and seizures. The condition can rapidly progress to acute encephalitis syndrome, particularly affecting children under 15 years of age.

How is the Chandipura virus transmitted? The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. However, researchers are currently investigating whether other arthropods like mosquitoes, ticks, and mites may also serve as vectors.

What is the case fatality rate? The Chandipura virus outbreak has shown a case fatality rate ranging between 55% to 75%, making it a serious public health concern requiring immediate attention and comprehensive management strategies.

Which states are most affected? Gujarat and Rajasthan are currently the most affected states, with Gujarat reporting 35 confirmed cases and Rajasthan confirming three cases from border districts. Both states have received national response team support.

What preventive measures are being implemented? Health authorities are implementing enhanced vector control measures, environmental sanitation, community-based serosurveys, and strengthening early warning systems to detect and respond to outbreaks promptly.