Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday reviewed the Chandipura virus situation in the state and the steps that were taken to contain the spreading disease.
In order to avoid the disease in the districts and to guarantee prompt, intensive treatment in the case of a fever, the CM gave instructions at the meeting to organise a push for ‘malathion powder’ dusting.
The CM conducted a video conference with State Municipal Commissioners, District Collectors, District Development Officers, and Chief District Health Officers in order to gather information on their districts’ performance during this meeting, which was attended by Health Minister Rushikesh Patel and other high-ranking officials.
Rushikesh Patel has advised that grassroots workers, including Asha and Anganwadi workers, as well as nurses, use preventative measures against this disease in rural areas.
“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,” the Health Minister briefed.
‘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-19, this disease is not communicable, but precautions should be taken. An advisory has been issued so that the public can remain vigilant, and if a child develops a fever, they should be taken to the hospital immediately within 24 hours.’
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