There have been at least 56 deaths due to viral encephalitis in Gujarat, which has led to increased surveillance for the viral infection that is transmitted by certain insects like sand flies and ticks.
Viral encephalitis, which can cause high fever and in many cases affect the brain, is common in several parts of India during the monsoon season. However, much of these deaths that occurred in Gujarat were caused by Chandipura virus; this mainly affects children below 15 years old.
According to Gujarat Health Commissioner Harshad Patel a quarter of the 56 people who died last month had tested positive for Chandipura virus.
“All I know is that all patients are kids. As far as I know only children contract this virus,” said Mr. Patel about that outbreak to Reuters News Agency.
Encephalitis cases have been under strict observation by local health officials for one month now while maintaining vigilance on any widespread incidences among the public especially those who live in case-reporting areas.
A statement from the state government reported that during one month period 133 cases of viral encephalitis including 47 from Chandipura virus had been confirmed in a population of seventy million.
Last week’s statement from the Ministry said the Chandipura Virus named after an area in Maharashtra where it was first discovered; causes some sporadic cases of encephalitis and outbreaks have been experienced in western, central, and southern parts of India too.
“This is transmitted through vectors like sand flies as well as ticks,” read part of their statement.“It should be noted that hygiene vector control and awareness are the three known measures against this illness”
For example, according to government data some cases first came into light from two northern districts early last month but later more incidents across over two dozen districts were registered.
