Chandipura virus surge in Gujarat & Rajasthan, July 2026

In early July 2026, Gujarat reported a cluster of Chandipura virus cases among children, with the first death of a six‑year‑old followed by additional child fatalities, confirmed infections, and a broad surveillance effort across 61 districts. Health officials intensified vector‑control measures—including insecticide spraying, sand‑fly habitat reduction, and public education—and set up dedicated hospital wards for supportive care.

By July 10, the outbreak expanded to nearby districts, prompting door‑to‑door screening and the sealing of mud‑house cracks to curb sand‑fly breeding. Authorities continued advising protective clothing, repellents, and immediate medical attention for fever, vomiting, seizures or altered consciousness.

On July 25, two more child deaths were recorded in Rajasthan— a six‑year‑old from Dungarpur and a two‑year‑old from Sirohi—both while receiving treatment in Gujarat hospitals. Rajasthan’s health department launched extensive screening drives in Dungarpur, Sirohi and Udaipur, deploying rapid‑response teams to monitor high fever, vomiting, severe headache, seizures and altered consciousness. Vector‑control actions mirrored Gujarat’s approach, focusing on insecticide spraying, elimination of damp breeding sites, distribution of repellents and bed nets, and community awareness campaigns.

The situation now spans Gujarat and Rajasthan, with coordinated inter‑state surveillance, continued vector‑control operations, and reinforced public‑health messaging throughout the monsoon season. No specific vaccine or antiviral treatment exists; care remains supportive, emphasizing early detection and prompt hospitalisation for at‑risk children.