Centre deploys teams to combat outbreak of Chandipura virus

India's Union health ministry has dispatched National Joint Outbreak Response Teams (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to bolster efforts against the ongoing Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV) outbreak. The move comes as the virus has claimed the lives of at least 22 children in Gujarat during the current monsoon season. The deployment aims to enhance surveillance, diagnosis, and clinical management of CHPV cases in the affected states. The teams will collaborate with state health authorities to implement effective control measures and prevent further spread of the disease. Chandipura virus is known to cause severe neurological illness, particularly in children. Health officials are urging the public to take precautions against mosquito bites, as the virus is primarily transmitted by these vectors. The response teams will also focus on public awareness campaigns regarding preventive measures.