Mumbai on Alert After Chandipura Virus Outbreak Kills Nearly 30 in Gujarat

Mumbai and the wider Maharashtra region remain on alert following a deadly outbreak of the Chandipura virus in neighbouring Gujarat, which has claimed nearly 30 lives and spread into Rajasthan.

While Mumbai and Maharashtra have recorded no cases in the current wave, medical professionals are urging continued vigilance. The Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV) can progress rapidly, causing acute encephalitis, particularly in children.

In response to the escalating situation in the neighbouring states, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to help strengthen on-ground containment and response measures.

The Chandipura virus originally traces its origins back to a small village in Maharashtra. The current surge marks a return of the infection following its previous outbreak in 2024.