Centre deploys national team to combat Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat, Rajasthan
The Union Health Ministry has deployed a multidisciplinary national joint response team to Gujarat and Rajasthan to assist the respective State governments in managing the ongoing Chandipura virus outbreak. The outbreak has so far led to at least 22 child deaths during the current monsoon season, according to officials.
The Chandipura virus, named after the village in Maharashtra where it was first isolated in 1965, has historically caused seasonal outbreaks in parts of India. It is primarily transmitted by sandflies and can lead to inflammation of the brain, a condition known as Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). Children are particularly vulnerable, with the illness often beginning as a mild fever and potentially progressing to severe neurological complications.
The national team comprises experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Their mandate includes outbreak investigation, epidemiological assessment, clinical management, laboratory coordination, vector surveillance, and implementation of public health measures, the Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
The team will work closely with State health departments to review the on-ground response and submit its recommendations to the Ministry after completing its field assessment. This collaborative exercise brings together specialists in epidemiology, virology, entomology, veterinary sciences, and laboratory diagnostics, the Ministry said, adding that the aim is to understand the complete clinical spectrum of Chandipura virus infection—from mild febrile illness to AES—and generate evidence for strengthening public health interventions.
A key focus of the investigation is to understand the virus transmission cycle. While sandflies are established vectors, scientists are also examining whether other arthropods, including mosquitoes, ticks, and mites, may play a role in transmission. The Ministry noted that research on transmission is vital to designing effective vector control measures.
Animal surveillance has also been expanded to determine whether domestic animals could act as reservoirs for the virus. Blood samples from cattle, buffaloes, and goats, along with milk samples, have been collected for testing. About 70 animal blood samples have been collected so far and are being analysed for the Chandipura virus and other relevant pathogens. Authorities have clarified that no conclusions can be drawn until laboratory investigations are completed.
The deployment comes as both States intensify their efforts to control the outbreak. The Centre's team is expected to provide technical support and ensure that evidence-based measures are implemented promptly. The Ministry has reassured that all necessary assistance will be extended to the affected regions.
