Gandhinagar, July 20 (IANS). 63 suspected cases of Chandipura virus have been reported in Gujarat this year. Of these, 12 cases have been confirmed, while investigation of 8 other samples is ongoing. The state government has intensified measures for surveillance, treatment and control of the insects that spread the virus.
The situation in the state was reviewed in a meeting chaired by Health Minister Praful Pansheriya on Monday. The minister directed officials to conduct a detailed investigation of the travel and disease information of the infected patients so that the source of the virus infection can be traced.
According to the Health and Family Welfare Department, out of 63 suspected samples, 55 have been tested so far. Of these, 12 samples have been found positive.
Among the confirmed cases, 9 patients are from Gujarat, while 3 patients are from the neighboring state of Rajasthan. The report of 8 samples is yet to come. The department said that out of 12 infected patients, 8 have died.
Giving district wise information, the Health Minister said that two confirmed cases each have been reported in Panchmahal and Kheda districts. One case each has been registered in Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Bharuch, Bhavnagar and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation areas.
“Once even a single case is reported in an area, intensive monitoring of that area becomes necessary,” the minister said.
He directed the officials to investigate the travel and disease history of the patients in detail, so that the reasons for the spread of the virus can be understood.
The Health Department said that all 63 suspected patients have been admitted to medical colleges, district hospitals or multispecialty hospitals and are undergoing treatment.
Samples of all suspected patients are being sent to Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center in Gandhinagar for testing. Rapid response teams are investigating every suspected case and monitoring the affected areas.
The state government has started dusting and spraying medicines to control the insects that spread the virus. Along with this, information, education and communication activities are also being carried out to make people aware.
According to officials, a health check-up campaign has been conducted in thousands of kutcha and pucca houses in the affected areas.
Spraying is being done on a large scale around kutcha houses and animal enclosures to control sand flies and other insects. There is a possibility of Chandipura virus spreading through these insects.
The Health Department said that ICU beds, essential medicines and ventilators have been made available for children in civil hospitals and super specialty hospitals of all district headquarters.
In collaboration with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, 1,993 pediatricians from Gujarat have been trained through continuous medical education programmes. Officials said that so far 117 samples of sand flies have been tested in the state and the reports of all have come negative.
Chandipura virus was first identified in Chandipura village in Maharashtra in 1965. This virus spreads mainly through sand flies and mostly affects children below 15 years of age.
In this infection, symptoms like sudden high fever, vomiting, seizures and unconsciousness may appear. In severe cases it can cause acute encephalitis syndrome.
Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said that the virus usually remains more active during the monsoon season and till September. He said that if symptoms like high fever, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea or unconsciousness suddenly appear in children, then parents should immediately contact the nearest government hospital or pediatrician.
The Health Department has appealed to the people to remain alert and said that if symptoms like fever, vomiting, seizures or unconsciousness are seen in children, they should get immediate treatment.
The department has advised people to avoid taking medicines without doctor’s advice, wear full-sleeved clothes, use mosquito nets and maintain cleanliness around the house, so that exposure to sand flies can be reduced.
–IANS
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