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Death toll of children in Gujarat from suspected Chandipura virus reaches nine

Concerns rise as fatalities increase; samples sent for further analysis

AHMEDABAD: The Chandipura virus is rapidly spreading among children in Gujarat, leading to a concerning rise in fatalities. Chandipura virus, aka Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV), is an RNA virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes the rabies virus. It was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura, a village in Maharashtra.

Two days ago, a one-year-old child from Mehsana was brought to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital with a high-grade fever and convulsions. Unfortunately, the child passed away on Wednesday, The samples of the child have been sent to a laboratory in Pune for further analysis. To date, the suspected Chandipura virus has been linked to the deaths of nine children in the state.

According to health officials in Mehsana, two more children suspected of having the virus have been transferred to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for treatment.

Dr Vinod Patel, the Epidemic Health Officer for Mehsana District, explained, “A one-year-old from Varetha village in Kheralu taluka was first treated at Vadnagar Civil Hospital before being referred to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Samples have been sent to Pune, with results expected in 10 to 12 days. Unfortunately, the child passed away before the test results arrived. Additionally, a three-year-old from Dabhala farm, Vijapur taluka, was stabilised at Vadnagar Civil Hospital, with samples also sent to Pune.”

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