Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat: 25 deaths, 39 confirmed cases as experts probe spread

New Delhi: Gujarat has recorded 225 suspected Chandipura virus cases since June 30, with 39 infections confirmed in laboratory tests and 25 deaths among patients who tested positive. The outbreak has appeared across different parts of the state rather than remaining confined to a single village or district, complicating efforts to determine how the virus is spreading.

Laboratory testing  was completed for 212 suspected cases by Monday, while results from 13 samples were awaited, according to state health department figures cited by The Indian Express. Children remain the group most frequently affected by the infection.

Chandipura virus is known to be transmitted by insect vectors, particularly sandflies, but scientists have not established which vector is driving the present outbreak. The Union health ministry has said it would be premature to blame a particular species until laboratory investigations are complete.

Teams are examining sandflies, mosquitoes, ticks and mites collected from affected areas. Researchers are also testing cattle, buffaloes and goats to determine whether domestic animals could play a role in maintaining the virus in nature, with about 70 animal blood samples collected for analysis.

During Gujarat’s 2024 outbreak, scientists collected several potential vector species from affected areas, but the samples tested negative for Chandipura virus and no specific vector was conclusively identified.

Probe widens

The Centre has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to Gujarat and Rajasthan, bringing together experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research and animal health institutions. Surveillance has been intensified among patients with fever and acute encephalitis, while community serosurveys are being conducted to detect possible mild or asymptomatic infections.

Scientists are also sequencing virus samples from the current outbreak. Preliminary analysis has identified minor genetic variations, but researchers say there is not enough evidence to conclude that the circulating strain has changed in a way that affects transmission or disease severity.

There is no specific antiviral treatment or approved vaccine for Chandipura infection.

Treatment is largely supportive, making early detection and rapid referral important because severe illness can progress quickly from fever and vomiting to convulsions, altered consciousness and coma.

Deadly history

Chandipura virus was first identified in 1965 after being isolated in Chandipura village in Maharashtra. It belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and has periodically been associated with outbreaks of acute encephalitis in western, central and southern India.

One of the major outbreaks occurred in Andhra Pradesh in 2003, when 329 suspected acute encephalitis cases and 183 deaths were reported. The World Health Organization says a study suggested that outbreak was caused by Chandipura virus.

The virus returned on a larger scale in 2024.

Between early June and August 15 that year, India recorded 245 acute encephalitis syndrome cases and 82 deaths across 43 districts. 64 infections were confirmed as Chandipura virus 61 in Gujarat and three in Rajasthan.

The World Health Organization described it as India’s largest Chandipura outbreak in 20 years.

Children remain at greatest risk

Previous outbreaks have largely affected children below 15. The World Health Organization says earlier Chandipura outbreaks in India have recorded case-fatality ratios ranging from 56% to 75%.

No human-to-human transmission has been documented, making vector control and protection from insect bites central to prevention.

Poor housing conditions and inadequate sanitation can create resting or breeding sites for sandflies. Gujarat authorities have advised measures including insecticide spraying, improved surveillance and filling cracks in mud houses in affected areas.

The current outbreak therefore presents a difficult public-health puzzle.