Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a member of Rhabdoviridae family known to cause sporadic cases and outbreaks in western, central, and southern parts of the Country, especially during the monsoon season. It is transmitted by vectors such as sand flies and ticks. “For the last one month, the state has been seeing cases of acute viral encephalitis. The total cases is 140. 52 Chandipura-positive cases have been found in Gujarat across 28 districts. Chandipura encephalitis happens because of a sandfly bite. Overall 58 people have died due to acute viral encephalitis out of which 28 people have died due to Chandipura encephalitis,” Additional Director (Public Health) Dr Nilam Patel said.
