Gujarat has recorded 22 deaths among children due to the Chandipura virus while confirming 35 positive cases out of 184 suspected infections reported so far, as the state health department continues surveillance and treatment efforts across multiple districts.

The Gujarat Health Department said all children admitted to civil hospitals in Gandhinagar, Sabarkantha-Himmatnagar, Patan, Rajkot and Bhavnagar are receiving specialised treatment under continuous medical supervision. To ensure timely treatment, all government and private paediatric hospitals have been instructed to immediately admit children showing symptoms of Chandipura virus to ICU beds equipped with oxygen and ventilator support. The move aims to prevent severe complications such as multiple organ failure.

The Health Department has advised residents to:

Fill cracks in mud houses and earthen walls, where sandflies may rest.

Allow insecticide spraying in villages, particularly in livestock-rearing areas.

Cooperate with health teams conducting surveillance and awareness drives.

Parents should watch for these symptoms

The Health Department has urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if children develop:

High fever

Vomiting

Seizures or convulsions

Unusual drowsiness

Sudden changes in behaviour or consciousness

Government urges people not to panic

While the number of deaths has raised concern, the Gujarat government has appealed to citizens not to spread or believe rumours.

Officials stressed that the state health machinery is closely monitoring the situation under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Surveillance has been strengthened across Gujarat, hospitals have been put on alert, and preventive measures are being intensified to control the spread of the virus.