Gujarat is witnessing a severe outbreak of AES, which has claimed 48 lives in the past one month. Among 127 cases of AES reported up to Friday, 39 were confirmed to be due to Chandipura virus. Maximum cases have been reported from areas like Sabarkantha, Panchmahal, Aravalli, Kheda, Mehsana, Ahmedabad, and Dahod.
The first confirmed death in Gujarat due to the Chandipura virus was that of a four-year-old child in Aravalli on July 17. This virus affects children below 15 years of age. Encephalitis, or an inflammation of the brain, is caused by this particular virus. It is transmitted through sandflies, and the first symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and muscle pain. If not treated promptly, it can cause serious complications, such as seizures and coma, and even death.
Health authorities have been making serious efforts for containment of the outbreak. Extensive spraying of insecticides has been carried out in almost 500,000 houses, more than 19,000 schools, and over 21,000 Anganwadis. Rapid response teams are keeping a close watch on the situation and providing preventive care, particularly in high-risk areas.
The condition is grim in Gujarat, with the Chandipura virus taking a heavy toll on health. Early detection and treatment are the only ways of preventing further deaths. Extensive measures are being taken by the state for controlling the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable populations.
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