Gandhinagar, August 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Gujarat has recorded 42 laboratory-confirmed Chandipura virus infections and 28 deaths since the current surveillance period began on June 30, according to the latest data released by the state Health Department.
The state has reported 324 suspected cases during the period, with laboratory results for 10 samples still awaited. The figures, updated until 5 p.m. on August 27, show that test results have been received for 314 suspected cases, of which 42 tested positive for Chandipura virus.
With 28 deaths among the confirmed cases, the case fatality proportion stands at about 66.7 per cent based on the confirmed infections recorded so far.
The latest figures represent a marginal increase from the numbers reported earlier this month. As of August 14, Gujarat had recorded 257 suspected cases, 41 confirmed infections and 27 deaths, while results for 11 samples were pending.
Chandipura virus is an arbovirus that can cause acute encephalitis and is known to disproportionately affect children. According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the virus is transmitted by sandflies and can cause rapidly progressing encephalitis or encephalopathy, with a particularly high case fatality rate among children.
Gujarat has witnessed significant Chandipura outbreaks in the past. During the 2024 outbreak, the NCDC deployed a multidisciplinary team to assist the state with surveillance and response measures, including epidemiological investigations and entomological surveillance to identify potential vectors.
The current surveillance period follows the emergence of cases during the monsoon season. Health authorities have said patients are being monitored and treated at hospitals across several districts.
Earlier this month, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said cases were being reported from different areas rather than being concentrated in a single village.
With 10 laboratory results still pending, the number of confirmed cases and deaths could change once the remaining samples are tested. The NCDC lists quantitative PCR among the laboratory methods used for detecting Chandipura virus.
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