Jaipur: Three children from Rajasthan have tested positive for Chandipura virus and are undergoing treatment in Gujarat, prompting the health department to step up surveillance in Udaipur, Sirohi and Dungarpur districts.A senior health department official said the children were taken to Gujarat for treatment after developing high fever and related symptoms, where they were diagnosed with Chandipura virus infection. They remain under medical care.Following the detections, the health department has intensified surveillance in the affected districts and launched preventive measures to check any possible spread. Officials said Chandipura is a vector-borne virus primarily transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies.According to the department, the affected children developed symptoms including fever above 101F, repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, convulsions or seizures, behavioural changes, confusion, reduced alertness and episodes of unconsciousness. Officials said these symptoms are being monitored closely as the infection can progress rapidly in children and may lead to severe neurological complications.Field teams have been directed to step up door-to-door surveillance in villages and localities linked to the confirmed cases, identify suspected patients, collect samples where necessary and monitor children with fever or neurological symptoms.Health authorities have also intensified surveillance in border areas adjoining Gujarat. Health workers have been instructed to screen migrant labourers returning from Gujarat and monitor their family members, particularly children, for symptoms. Medical teams have been deployed in sensitive areas to ensure early detection and prompt referral of suspected cases.Officials said fever cases among children were reported in May, but Chandipura infection was not confirmed at the time. The latest cases have prompted renewed surveillance in southern Rajasthan, particularly in tribal and border districts with frequent movement to and from Gujarat. The department said its focus is on early detection, timely treatment and containment.
