Ahmedabad: Amid rising concern over the spread of the deadly Chandipura virus, the Gujarat State Branch of the Indian Medical Association (GSB-IMA) on Tuesday issued a comprehensive medical advisory for both the general public and practicing paediatricians across the state. The urgent guidelines come in the wake of a looming health scare, with Gujarat already confirming the tragic deaths of three children, while laboratory reports for several other deceased children suspected of contracting the viral infection are still being anxiously awaited.Under the new directives, paediatricians in vulnerable and affected areas have been instructed to maintain a high index of suspicion. Doctors must meticulously evaluate the epidemiological history of young patients, tracking previous outbreaks and localised transmission patterns. The advisory explicitly orders clinicians to aggressively monitor hallmark symptoms associated with the infection, particularly sudden high-grade fever, acute encephalitis, and severe convulsions.For the general public, the medical body emphasised strict preventive measures to mitigate the spread of this dangerous sandfly-borne pathogen. Public health experts strongly urge parents to seek immediate medical intervention if a child shows early signs of distress, warning that early detection remains the most critical factor in preventing fatalities during this sudden and severe regional viral surge.
