Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel today reviewed the Chandipura virus situation in the state and the measures taken to control the spreading disease.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister instructed to conduct a drive for dusting with malathion powder to prevent the disease in the districts and to ensure immediate intensive treatment in case of any fever.

In this meeting, held in the presence of Health Minister Rishikesh Patel and other senior officials, the CM conducted a video conference with State Municipal Commissioners, District Collectors, District Development Officers, and Chief District Health Officers to receive details on their districts’ performance.

Health Minister Shri Rishikesh Patel also suggested measures to protect against this disease to be implemented in rural areas by grassroots workers such as Asha workers, Anganwadi workers, and nurses.

State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, while briefing the media after the review meeting, said, “A review was conducted in the meeting. The state has witnessed 29 suspected Chandipura cases, out of which 15 patients, mostly children aged 4 to 14, have died. We have sent their samples to Pune, and out of the 7 samples, only 1 has been confirmed as a Chandipura case. During the monsoon, cases of viral encephalitis (inflammation of the brain caused by a virus) continue to rise, and we see similar cases.”

‘All officers, including District Collectors, District Development Officers, and Chief District Health Officers, have been instructed to spread malathion powder to prevent diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya in all talukas and states,’ he added.

Patel reiterated that ‘There is no need to be scared of Chandipura disease; only 1 out of 7 cases has been confirmed. Unlike COVID, this disease is not communicable, but precautions should be taken. An advisory has been issued so that the public can remain alert, and if a child develops a fever, they should be taken to the hospital immediately within 24 hours.’

During the review meeting, it was also reported that the state health system has initiated intensive measures for vector control and containment of Chandipura and viral encephalitis. Accordingly, a total of 56,651 persons were monitored in 11,050 households by 260 teams. Additionally, 4,838 raw houses and cattle shed areas were dusted with malathion powder for disease prevention.

Malathion powder has been made available in sufficient quantities in the districts. Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel suggested making necessary arrangements and informing the public through media and social media platforms to avoid spreading fear. DeshGujarat