Gandhinagar/Panchmahal, July 7 (IANS) The Gujarat government has intensified surveillance and containment measures after laboratory tests confirmed that two children from villages in Godhra taluka of Panchmahal district died after contracting the Chandipura virus, prompting health authorities to deploy specialised medical teams and launch door-to-door surveys in the affected areas.

State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya described the deaths of the children from Vinzol and Jitpura villages as “a deeply tragic incident” and said the Health Department had treated the matter with the utmost seriousness.

Speaking after a review meeting with senior Health Department officials in Gandhinagar on Tuesday, the minister said: “Investigations in the affected villages had detected the presence of sand flies, the insect associated with the transmission of the Chandipura virus.”

He said the insects are commonly found in cracks in mud houses, prompting authorities to begin intensive insecticide spraying in all nearby homes and across the affected villages.

“Following laboratory confirmation of the two deaths, the state government had stepped up its response under the guidance of the Chief Minister, with all necessary measures being implemented immediately in the affected areas,” he noted.

According to the minister, two specialised teams from Godhra Medical College and Vadodara Medical College have been deployed to the affected villages, while health teams from Godhra taluka are carrying out intensive house-to-house surveys and medical screening.

Pansheriya said precautionary surveys had also been completed in all districts and villages where Chandipura virus cases were reported during 2024. “Adequate stocks of essential medicines and insecticidal powder had been supplied to all health centres,” he added.

Appealing to parents to remain vigilant, the minister urged families to seek immediate medical attention if children develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, convulsions or unconsciousness.

He also sought to reassure the public, stating that no cases of Chandipura virus had been reported outside the two affected villages so far.

“There is absolutely no need for the public to panic. However, by taking simple precautions, we can prevent the disease from spreading. People should seal cracks in mud houses, maintain cleanliness around their homes and ensure that children are protected from mosquito or fly bites,” he emphasised.

The review meeting in Gandhinagar was attended by Rural Health Commissioner Ratankunvar Gadhvi Charan, Additional Director of Public Health, Dr Neelam Patel, and other senior officials of the Health Department.

–IANS

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