Chandipura Virus: Amid the rise in cases of the Chandipura virus in Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the situation in the state on Thursday and took stock of the measures taken to control the epidemic. The state health minister, Rishikesh Patel, and other senior officials also participated in the meeting, reports news agency ANI, quoting the Information Department of Gujarat. According to jagran.com, a total of six casualties have been reported so far.

CM Patel interacted with the Municipal Commissioners of the state, District Collectors, District Development Officers, and Chief District Health Officers via video conferencing to get the details of their district performance. He also directed the officials to run a campaign to spray Malathion powder in the districts to prevent the disease.

CM Patel asked the officials to ensure immediate, intensive treatment is provided to patients in case of any kind of fever.

Gujarat Health Minister, Hrishikesh Patel, also suggested measures to be taken in rural areas by grassroots-level workers like Asha worker sisters, Anganwadi worker sisters, and nurse sisters to prevent this epidemic.

Several districts in Gujarat have reported suspected cases of Chandipura virus infection. According to the officials, three deaths from the infection have been reported in the Aravalli district of Gujarat.

Earlier in the day, officials said that five more suspected cases of the Chandipura virus had been reported from Gujarat's Sabarkantha district.

According to the officials, 14 people suspected of being infected with the virus were admitted to Sabarkantha Civil Hospital.

"Till now, there are 14 cases of Chandipura virus in Sabarkantha Civil Hospital. Out of the 14 cases, 6 people have died. 7 cases under treatment at Himmatnagar Hospital," Sabarkantha District Health Officer Raj Sutariya told ANI.

The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune on Wednesday confirmed the first fatality of a four-year-old girl who had contracted the Chandipura virus in Gujarat.

In the past 24 hours, a total of five children were found suspected of Chandipura virus in Himmatnagar.

According to the officials, 6 children are under treatment in Himmatnagar Civil for the suspected Chandipura virus infection.

Gujarat's Kheda district reported one case of the Chandipura virus.

According to the officials, 12 samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.

Neighbouring Rajasthan has also reported one death from the Chandipura virus.

(With input from agencies)