Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has intensified surveillance and preventive measures against the Chandipura virus (CHPV) after two children from the state died while undergoing treatment at hospitals in Gujarat.

The Health Department has launched extensive door-to-door surveys, health camps and screening drives across affected districts to prevent further spread of the virus.

The two victims include a six-year-old girl from Ratanpura village in Dungarpur district and a two-year-old girl from Sirohi district. Both were undergoing treatment in Gujarat, where laboratory tests later confirmed Chandipura virus infection.

Dungarpur, Sirohi and Udaipur on High Alert

Following confirmation of the cases, the Health Department has placed Dungarpur, Sirohi and Udaipur districts on heightened alert. Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to closely monitor the health of children, particularly those below 15 years of age.

In Ratanpura village of Dungarpur’s Simalwara block, officials organised a health camp at the government school and conducted a door-to-door survey covering 75 households. Children were medically examined, while awareness campaigns were launched to educate residents about the disease and its symptoms.

Dungarpur Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Alankar Gupta said no additional suspected Chandipura virus cases were found during the survey.

Children Developed Fever Before Testing Positive

According to health officials, the six-year-old girl from Dungarpur developed fever on July 12 and was initially treated at private hospitals before being admitted to Himmatnagar Civil Hospital in Gujarat on July 14. Doctors collected samples after suspecting Chandipura virus infection. She died on July 15, while laboratory confirmation from the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre was received on July 23.

The second victim, a two-year-old girl from Sirohi district, also tested positive for the virus while undergoing treatment in Gujarat.

Health officials have not stated any separate medical cause of death beyond confirming Chandipura virus infection. The virus is known to cause Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in severe cases, leading to brain inflammation and rapid neurological complications, particularly in children.

What Is Chandipura Virus?

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a rare but potentially fatal virus transmitted primarily through the bite of infected sandflies. It mainly affects children and can cause high fever, vomiting, seizures, altered consciousness and acute encephalitis. Since the disease can progress rapidly, early diagnosis and immediate medical treatment are considered critical.

The Health Department has expanded door-to-door surveys, school-based health screenings and monitoring of children showing symptoms of acute encephalitis.

Rapid Response Teams are screening children for warning signs such as high fever, persistent vomiting, seizures or convulsions, and unusual drowsiness. Officials have urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if children develop any of these symptoms.

Meanwhile, the Animal Husbandry Department has joined the preventive effort by conducting spraying and inspection drives in affected villages, including Ratanpura, to help control insect vectors associated with the virus.

Health officials said three suspected Chandipura virus cases have been reported in Rajasthan so far, including the two confirmed fatalities.

Surveillance will continue in vulnerable areas, with district administrations working closely with medical teams to detect cases early and prevent further transmission.

The state government has appealed to residents to remain alert, maintain hygiene, protect children from insect bites, and report any suspected symptoms without delay as Rajasthan steps up its preparedness against the rare but potentially serious viral infection.