Jaipur: The Chandipura virus continues to spread across Rajasthan, with the number of confirmed infections rising to four. State health officials revealed that an additional 74 people are under observation for potential infection as of Saturday.

A new case was identified on Friday, involving a nine-year-old boy from Shahpura who had close contact with a previously confirmed case. This marks the fourth confirmed case in the state.

In response to the outbreak, health officials have collected approximately 70 samples from individuals suspected of carrying the virus, with 32 test results still pending.

Moreover, the virus can affect animals as well. Authorities have gathered 91 samples from animals (71 in Udaipur and 20 in Dungarpur), though the results are yet to be received.

Tragically, one death due to the Chandipura virus was confirmed earlier this year. A two-year-old girl from Shahpura passed away on August 9 while receiving treatment at Zydus Hospital in Gujarat.

The first fatality in Rajasthan occurred on June 27 in Udaipur when three-year-old Himanshu, a resident of Balicha village in Kherwada town, died at Himmatnagar Civil Hospital in Gujarat.

In light of these developments, the Rajasthan health department ramped up surveillance the very last month, particularly in Dungarpur district, following the detection of the first positive case in the state—a three-year-old boy. The health department's efforts have now shifted toward early detection and treatment. Teams are visiting villages to assess children's health and monitor those in hospitals who show symptoms similar to the virus.

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