Archive · 5 Aug 2026
Chandipura virus outbreak kills 22 children in Gujarat
Many children in a part of India called Gujarat have gotten very sick.
They caught a germ called the Chandipura virus, usually from the bite of a tiny insect called a sandfly.
The germ can cause swelling in the brain, which is very dangerous.
At least 22 children younger than 15 have died from it.
The virus was first found long ago, in 1965, in a village in Maharashtra.
Doctors do not have a special medicine or a vaccine to stop this virus.
So they try to find sick children early and take care of them in the hospital.
Health workers are spraying chemicals around cattle sheds and checking homes for children with sudden high fever.
They are telling parents to take children to the doctor right away if they have a high fever or act confused.
The government says everyone should stay calm but be careful during the rainy season.
At least 22 children under the age of 15 have died in Gujarat after contracting the Chandipura virus (CHPV), Health Minister Praful Panseriya said on Monday.
Gujarat has recorded 184 suspected cases of acute encephalitis syndrome, of which 35 have been confirmed as Chandipura virus infections, while results for 11 samples are awaited.
Seven infected children are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals, and six others have recovered and been discharged.
The virus, first identified in 1965 in Chandipura village, Maharashtra, spreads mainly through sandfly bites and has no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment.
Authorities have intensified measures including insecticide and malathion spraying, crack sealing in mud walls, and door-to-door screenings by ASHA workers.
Cases have been reported across several parts of Gujarat, with children treated in Gandhinagar, Himmatnagar, Patan, Rajkot and Bhavnagar.
- Who
- Gujarat Health Minister Praful Panseriya and state health authorities; children under 15 are the affected group.
- What
- An outbreak of Chandipura virus causing acute encephalitis, with 22 child deaths and 35 confirmed infections among 184 suspected cases.
- When
- Announced on Monday during the ongoing monsoon season.
- Where
- Gujarat state, India, with affected children treated in Gandhinagar, Himmatnagar, Patan, Rajkot and Bhavnagar; the virus was first identified in Chandipura village, Maharashtra.
- Why
- The virus spreads mainly through sandfly bites, and with no vaccine or antiviral treatment available, early detection and supportive care are critical.
- Confirmed deaths
- 22 children under age 15
- Suspected AES cases
- 184
- Confirmed Chandipura virus cases
- 35
- Samples awaiting results
- 11
- Children in treatment
- 7
- Recovered and discharged
- 6
- Virus first identified
- 1965, Chandipura village, Maharashtra
- Treatment available
- No specific vaccine or antiviral; supportive care only
