Amid rising concerns over the spread of the Chandipura virus, health officials have reported that several residents from the Udaipur and Dungarpur regions are traveling to neighboring Gujarat for medical treatment. This cross-border movement has raised alarms about the potential for the virus to spread beyond state borders, prompting the Rajasthan government to push for enhanced local healthcare facilities.

Virus Spreading in Rajasthan

The Chandipura virus, which is transmitted through vectors such as sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks, has led to a surge in suspected cases in Rajasthan. The state has recorded four confirmed cases, with 74 suspected cases reported as of August 16. The recent cases include a three-year-old boy from Dungarpur who tested positive on July 28, and a two-year-old girl from Shahpura district who tragically succumbed to the virus on August 9.

In response to the growing threat, the Rajasthan government has advised local health authorities to encourage patients to seek treatment at government hospitals within the state. The ongoing outbreak in Gujarat, combined with confirmed cases in Rajasthan, has led to the issuance of a detailed advisory on Chandipura virus prevention. The advisory specifically targets districts bordering Gujarat, including Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara, Sirohi, and Jalore.

A health official expressed concern over the continued movement of patients to Gujarat, stating, “Patients in Udaipur and Dungarpur are still visiting Gujarat. This cross-border movement needs to be controlled by providing treatment facilities to them here.” To mitigate the risk, there is a growing call to increase treatment options within Rajasthan, ensuring that patients receive adequate care without the need to cross state lines.