Indian Health Minister of Gujarat state, Rachikesh Patel, announced on Monday that at least 16 people have died in the state due to the "Chandipore" virus, for which there is neither a vaccine nor a treatment. It is noteworthy that cases of this virus have been officially reported only in India, with 50 cases in Gujarat and three in other states, resulting in 16 deaths among the infected. At the beginning of the week, state authorities announced 29 infections and the death of one patient.
The Chandipore virus was first discovered in 1965 in the village of Chandipore in Maharashtra, India. This virus is transmitted through bites from ticks, mosquitoes, and sandflies (Phlebotominae). Interestingly, this virus has not undergone detailed study yet, so no vaccine or treatment exists for those infected. The symptoms resemble those of influenza or acute encephalitis and pose significant risks, especially for children. The Indian Ministry of Health regularly records outbreaks of this disease. The mortality rate among infected individuals during the 2003-2004 outbreaks in Central India reached 56-75 percent.
