Since the first case of Chandipura virus reported in July, 28 children below the age of 14 have died so far in Gujarat, the state legislative assembly was informed on Wednesday. Responding to a 'short notice question' by AAP MLA Umesh Makwana, health minister Rushikesh Patel told the House that Gujarat has so far reported 164 cases of viral encephalitis, caused by certain pathogens including the Chandipura virus, with 101 children succumbing to the infection. Of these 164 cases detected so far, 61 were caused by the Chandipura virus, he said.
Chandipura virus is a rare but 'deadly' pathogen which can cause a wide-ranging array of symptoms in the infected patient. Its initial symptoms include fever, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, and acute encephalitis (brain inflammation).
He said the sandfly, which carries the Chandipura virus, lives in the cracks of mud houses that are very common in the hinterland.
"So far, 101 children under the age of 14 have died due to acute encephalitis. Of these, 28 have died due to Chandipura virus infection, while 73 succumbed to encephalitis caused by other viral infections," said Patel, as quoted by news agency PTI.
As per the health minister, 63 children were discharged after treatment and four were still under medical care.
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The situation is under control, he said and stressed that no new case has been reported in the past week and no death has been reported for the last 12 days.
According to the minister, the government has launched a drive across the state for vector control and containment of the Chandipura virus.
(With PTI Inputs)